German word

Reflexion

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁeflɛˈksi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncontemplation

Example

Nach einer langen Reflexion traf sie eine Entscheidung.

After a long period of contemplation, she made a decision.

Illustration for Reflexion (contemplation)

More examples

Kritische Reflexion führt zu besseren Entscheidungen.

Critical reflection leads to better decisions.

Core concept

A person mentally revisits an issue in an orderly way rather than reacting to it immediately.

Common phrases

  • Selbstreflexion

    self-reflection

  • kritische Reflexion

    critical reflection

  • tiefgehende Reflexion

    deep reflection

Similar words

Nachdenken: The act of thinking about a matter repeatedly and carefully.
Überlegung: Careful consideration of information to support a decision or course of action.

Definition in German

Geordnetes, bewusstes Nachdenken über einen Sachverhalt, um Einsicht oder eine Entscheidung zu gewinnen.

Word origin

The noun comes through Latin reflexio from reflectere, and its sense extends the idea of turning something back to the mind for examination.

Usage tips

  • Reflexion is more formal and analytical than everyday nachdenken and is common in academic or written contexts.

Other meanings

  • reflectionnoun

Opposites

  • Oberflächlichkeitsuperficialitynoun
  • Unüberlegtheitthoughtlessnessnoun

Related words

  • reflektierenreflectverb
  • Reflexionsfähigkeitcapacity for reflectionnoun
  • reflektiertthoughtfuladjective

Word lists with this word