Grund und Begründung

[GlobalJim711]

Germans typically use Grund when asking for a reason. I was surprised at the preference of Begründung. In fact, the verb is perhaps more commom: Kannst du das begründen? I see Begründung more as reasoning or argument. Can you give me your reasoning. Was meint ihr?

[mizinamo]

I'd translate Begründung as "rationale" - it's asking more for the thought process behind something, or something a bit more elaborate and verbose than a simple "reason".

[whukriede]

Richtig! Grund ist die dingliche Ursache, Begründung ist die Herleitung, die jemand gibt. (Reason/rational vs cause).

[el_pakiro]

Grund = reason
Begründen = Justify

[bduderstadt]

Grund is reason. Etwas begründen is to provide reasons for sth. The prefix be- usually means "to attach" something. Bemalen=to attach paint, beflügeln=to attach wings, benebeln=to attach fog, begrenzen=to attach limits, ...

Kannst du deine Behauptung begründen? Can you give reasons that support your claim?