German word

nachdenklich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxˌdɛŋklɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivethoughtful

Example

Das ist eine nachdenkliche Frau.

That is a thoughtful woman.

Illustration for nachdenklich (thoughtful)

More examples

Er wirkte nachdenklich, bevor er antwortete.

He seemed thoughtful before answering.

Core concept

A calm, serious face turns inward as a person follows a difficult thought.

Common phrases

  • nachdenklich wirken

    seem thoughtful

Similar words

überlegt: Marked by careful thought before deciding or acting.
ernst: Serious in expression or manner rather than cheerful or playful.
ruhig: Composed and emotionally restrained in outward behavior.
besonnen: Steady and rational when judging a situation or choosing what to do.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet jemanden, der ernst wirkt und über etwas nachdenkt.

Word origin

Nachdenklich derives from the verb "nachdenken", meaning to think something over, plus the adjective-forming suffix "-lich".

Usage tips

  • Unlike "thoughtful" when it means considerate, "nachdenklich" usually describes a pensive mental state or expression.

Other meanings

  • pensiveadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Nachdenklichkeitthoughtfulnessnoun
  • nachdenkenponderverb

Word lists with this word