fußen

Fußen is a German verb meaning to be based on or to rest on something, usually with the preposition auf. It is used to indicate that a statement, argument, or plan derives its support from evidence, premises, or sources. Example: Der Bericht fußt auf aktuellen Daten.

The term derives from Fuß (foot) and has taken on a metaphorical sense of a foundation or basis. In modern usage, fußen appears mainly in formal or written German—academic writings, legal texts, and journalism—where a precise, hedged expression is desired. In everyday speech, speakers typically substitute basieren auf or beruhen auf to express the same idea.

Grammatically, fußen is a regular verb and follows the standard -en verb paradigm. It is most naturally used with auf, as in das Argument fußt auf Belegen. The phrase auf etwas fußen is common in both theoretical and analytical writing.

Usage notes: The expression often carries a formal or cautious tone, signaling that conclusions rest on careful reasoning or evidence. Depending on the desired tone, it can be replaced by synonyms such as basieren auf, beruhen auf, or sich stützen auf.

See also: basieren auf; beruhen auf; Argumentation; Evidenz.