B2 Collocation तटस्थ 2 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

im Grunde genommen

Basically/fundamentally

शाब्दिक अर्थ: taken in the ground/base

Use it to simplify a complex point and show you've understood the heart of the matter.

15 सेकंड में

  • Used to summarize the core truth of a situation.
  • Equivalent to 'basically' or 'at the end of the day.'
  • Works in both professional and casual conversations.

मतलब

Think of this as the German way of saying 'at the end of the day' or 'basically.' It helps you cut through the noise and point out the core truth of a situation.

मुख्य उदाहरण

3 / 6
1

Explaining a movie plot to a friend

Im Grunde genommen geht es in dem Film nur um Rache.

Basically, the movie is just about revenge.

😊
2

A manager summarizing a project delay

Im Grunde genommen fehlt uns nur die Freigabe vom Chef.

Fundamentally, we are just missing the boss's approval.

3

Texting a friend about a complicated relationship

Wir sind im Grunde genommen schon getrennt.

We are basically already broken up.

💭
🌍

सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि

The phrase reflects the German philosophical tradition of seeking the 'Ding an sich' (the thing itself). It became widely popular as a way to navigate complex bureaucratic or academic discussions by focusing on the 'Grund' or foundation. It shows the speaker is looking for logic and structure in a conversation.

💡

The 'Eigentlich' Swap

If 'im Grunde genommen' feels too long, swap it for 'eigentlich'. It's shorter and fits in almost any gap in a sentence.

⚠️

Don't over-philosophize

Avoid using this for obvious facts. Saying 'Basically, water is wet' makes you sound like you're trying way too hard to be deep.

15 सेकंड में

  • Used to summarize the core truth of a situation.
  • Equivalent to 'basically' or 'at the end of the day.'
  • Works in both professional and casual conversations.

What It Means

im Grunde genommen is your go-to phrase for simplifying complex topics. It functions like a verbal filter. You use it to strip away the extra details. It reveals the fundamental essence of what you are discussing. In English, we often say 'fundamentally' or 'when you get right down to it.'

How To Use It

You usually place it at the beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for your main point. You can also tuck it into the middle for a softer touch. It works perfectly with the verb sein (to be). For example: Es ist im Grunde genommen ganz einfach. It sounds sophisticated but remains very accessible.

When To Use It

Use it when you want to sound thoughtful and analytical. It’s great for summarizing a long story. Use it in a business meeting to clarify a goal. Use it with friends when debating which pizza place is better. It shows you have considered the facts and found the core. It’s a very 'adult' way to speak without being stuffy.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid it if you are in a massive rush. It’s a bit too long for a 'yes' or 'no' situation. Don't use it for very shallow observations. Saying Im Grunde genommen ist der Apfel rot sounds a bit silly. It implies a depth that isn't there. Also, try not to over-rely on it in every sentence. You might sound like a philosophy student who hasn't slept.

Cultural Background

Germans value 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). The word Grund means ground, bottom, or reason. By using this phrase, you are literally saying you've reached the bottom of the matter. It reflects a cultural desire to understand the root cause of things. It has been a staple of the language for centuries. It bridges the gap between everyday talk and intellectual debate.

Common Variations

You might hear people just say im Grunde. This is the shorter, snappier version. Another common one is eigentlich, which means 'actually.' However, im Grunde genommen carries more weight. It suggests you’ve done the mental work to reach your conclusion. It feels more definitive and final than a simple 'actually.'

इस्तेमाल की जानकारी

This phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It's a 'filler' phrase that actually adds intellectual value to your sentence.

💡

The 'Eigentlich' Swap

If 'im Grunde genommen' feels too long, swap it for 'eigentlich'. It's shorter and fits in almost any gap in a sentence.

⚠️

Don't over-philosophize

Avoid using this for obvious facts. Saying 'Basically, water is wet' makes you sound like you're trying way too hard to be deep.

💬

The German 'Grund'

Germans love the word 'Grund'. Whether it's 'Hintergrund' (background) or 'Abgrund' (abyss), getting to the 'bottom' of things is a national pastime.

उदाहरण

6
#1 Explaining a movie plot to a friend
😊

Im Grunde genommen geht es in dem Film nur um Rache.

Basically, the movie is just about revenge.

Simplifies a potentially complex narrative into one core theme.

#2 A manager summarizing a project delay

Im Grunde genommen fehlt uns nur die Freigabe vom Chef.

Fundamentally, we are just missing the boss's approval.

Cuts through the excuses to identify the single bottleneck.

#3 Texting a friend about a complicated relationship
💭

Wir sind im Grunde genommen schon getrennt.

We are basically already broken up.

Used here to admit a harsh truth that is hard to say directly.

#4 Complaining about a complicated recipe
😄

Im Grunde genommen ist das auch nur Nudelsalat.

Basically, this is also just pasta salad.

A humorous way to deflate something that's trying to be fancy.

#5 Discussing a political issue with a neighbor
🤝

Im Grunde genommen wollen wir doch alle das Gleiche.

Fundamentally, we all want the same thing.

A unifying statement used to find common ground in a debate.

#6 Explaining why a car won't start
😊

Im Grunde genommen ist die Batterie einfach tot.

Basically, the battery is just dead.

Used to end a technical discussion with a simple fact.

खुद को परखो

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a simple solution.

___ ist es egal, welche Farbe wir wählen.

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Im Grunde genommen

This phrase fits best because it suggests that when you look at the core of the decision, the color doesn't matter.

Which variation is shorter but means the same thing?

Ich habe ___ keine Zeit für dieses Projekt.

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: im Grunde

'im Grunde' is the common shortened version of 'im Grunde genommen'.

🎉 स्कोर: /2

विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स

Formality of 'im Grunde genommen'

Informal

Using 'eigentlich' or 'quasi'.

Eigentlich ist das egal.

Neutral

The sweet spot for this phrase.

Im Grunde genommen ist es fertig.

Formal

Using 'fundamental' or 'essenziell'.

Es ist essenziell zu verstehen...

Where to use 'im Grunde genommen'

im Grunde genommen
💼

Office Meeting

Summarizing goals.

Coffee with Friends

Explaining a drama.

🔧

Repair Shop

Explaining a fault.

🌙

Deep Talk

Sharing a philosophy.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

11 सवाल

It literally means 'taken in the ground' or 'taken at the base.' It implies you are looking at the foundation of an idea.

Not at all! It's neutral. You can use it in a text like: Im Grunde genommen hab ich keine Lust. (Basically, I don't feel like it.)

Yes, im Grunde is a very common shortened version. It's slightly more casual but means exactly the same thing.

Eigentlich means 'actually.' Im Grunde genommen is more like 'fundamentally.' Use the latter when you want to sound more decisive.

Usually at the start or right after the verb. For example: Das ist im Grunde genommen egal.

It is very common in both. You'll hear it in podcasts and see it in news articles frequently.

No, it's definitely not slang. It's standard German that sounds educated but natural.

Yes, it's the perfect way to start a summary. It signals to the listener that you are about to give them the 'TL;DR' version.

Using 'am Grunde' instead of 'im Grunde.' Remember, you are *in* the ground/base, not *at* it.

No, it's neutral. However, it can be used to dismiss someone's complicated argument, which might feel slightly dismissive.

Not really. This phrase is understood and used throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

संबंधित मुहावरे

eigentlich

actually / really

im Wesentlichen

essentially / in essence

kurz gesagt

in short / to put it briefly

letzten Endes

at the end of the day / ultimately

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!

मुफ्त में भाषाएं सीखना शुरू करें

मुफ़्त में सीखना शुरू करो