German word

erwägen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈvɛːgən/

Meaning

  • verbconsider

Example

Ich erwäge das Angebot.

I am considering the offer.

Illustration for erwägen (consider)

More examples

Man muss die Konsequenzen erwägen, bevor man handelt.

One must consider the consequences before acting.

Core concept

A person places several possible actions on a mental scale and tests which one carries the greater advantages and disadvantages.

Common phrases

  • eine Alternative erwägen

    consider an alternative

  • die Konsequenzen erwägen

    consider the consequences

  • verschiedene Optionen erwägen

    consider various options

Similar words

nachdenken: To think something over to clarify the issues before forming a judgment.
überlegen: To reach a view by considering personal circumstances and preferences.
bedenken: To consider important concerns or possible risks before making a decision.
abwägen: To reach a judgment by balancing different factors against one another.

Definition in German

über verschiedene Möglichkeiten nachdenken und ihre Vor- und Nachteile abwägen.

Word origin

Erwägen developed from Middle High German erwægen, based on wägen 'weigh', and is related to English weigh through Germanic roots.

Usage tips

  • Erwägen is more formal than everyday überlegen or nachdenken and is especially common in careful speech and writing.

Other meanings

  • weighverb
  • ponderverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Erwägungconsiderationnoun
  • Erwägungsgrundreason for considerationnoun

Word lists with this word