German word

nachdenken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxˌdɛŋkən/

Meaning

  • verbthink

Example

Ich denke oft nach.

I often think things over.

Illustration for nachdenken (think)

More examples

Bevor du antwortest, solltest du kurz nachdenken.

Before you answer, you should think for a moment.

Core concept

A mind follows an issue forward and back, weighing its possible results and alternatives before reaching a view.

Common phrases

  • über Probleme nachdenken

    think about problems

  • vor einer Entscheidung nachdenken

    think before making a decision

Similar words

denken: Have a thought or opinion without necessarily considering it deeply.
überlegen: Consider information and circumstances carefully before making a decision.
grübeln: Keep thinking about the same concern repeatedly because of worry or anxiety.
abwägen: Compare several factors to decide which option is best.

Definition in German

über etwas gründlich nachdenken und mögliche Folgen oder Alternativen prüfen

Word origin

The verb combines the inherited Germanic verb "denken" with the separable particle "nach", which adds the sense of pursuing a thought further.

Usage tips

  • "Nachdenken" is separable: "Ich denke oft nach" and "ich habe darüber nachgedacht" use the particle apart in the present and with the participle in the perfect.

Other meanings

  • reflectverb
  • considerverb
  • ponderverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word