der Grundstein
Translation
foundation stone, cornerstone
Examples
Der Bürgermeister legte den Grundstein für das neue Rathaus.
The mayor laid the foundation stone for the new city hall.
Diese Entdeckung war der Grundstein für die moderne Physik.
This discovery was the cornerstone of modern physics.
Grammar Patterns
to lay the foundation stone for ((sth.)) Er legte den Grundstein für das Projekt.
Similar Words
das Fundament (foundation), die Basis (base)
Etymology
From 'Grund' (ground) + 'Stein' (stone). Literally 'ground stone'.
Memory Tips
Picture the first stone ('Stein') being laid on the ground ('Grund') for a new building. It's used both literally and figuratively.