fundamental
Translation
fundamental, basic, essential
Examples
Er hat einen fundamentalen Fehler gemacht.
He made a fundamental mistake.
Wir sprechen über die fundamentalen Regeln.
We are talking about the fundamental rules.
Grammar Patterns
(( )) fundamental That is a fundamental difference.
Similar Words
Synonyms: grundlegend (basic), wesentlich (essential); Antonyms: oberflächlich (superficial), nebensächlich (secondary)
Etymology
From Latin 'fundamentum', meaning 'foundation'. It refers to the base or core of something, just like a building's foundation.
Memory Tips
It's a direct cognate of the English word 'fundamental'. Think of the 'foundation' of an argument or a system.