Gründen

Gründen is a German verb meaning to found, establish, or create something, such as a company, organization, institution, or community. It is used for processes that bring a new entity into existence or lay the basis for a longer-term endeavor.

It derives from the concept of a foundation or base (Grund), and the related noun is Gründung, which denotes the act or result of founding. The verb can be combined with various objects, e.g., ein Unternehmen gründen (to found a company), eine Stiftung gründen (to establish a foundation), eine Partei gründen (to found a party).

In a business context, founding a company typically involves idea validation, planning, choosing a legal form, and registering with authorities. In Germany, common forms include the GmbH (limited liability with minimum capital), UG (haftungsbeschränkt), and the sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen). Founding usually requires drafting articles of association, opening a business bank account, and registering with the Gewerbeamt and, for corporations, the Handelsregister. Tax registration with the Finanzamt is also required. The exact steps and capital requirements vary by form and jurisdiction.

Gründen also applies to non-commercial initiatives, such as foundations (Stiftungen), clubs, or associations. The term is closely related to Begründung in the sense of providing justification or the basis for a decision. It is used across German-speaking contexts to describe the start of a formal entity or project.