Frame description

A person, the Cognizer, thinks about a Topic over a period of time. What is pondered may be a course of action that the person might take, or something more general.

Examples:

1. Jenna fragt sich, was morgen passiert.1. Jenna wonders, what will happen tomorrow.
2. Du bringst mich auf eine Idee.2. You gave me an idea.
3. Ich habe mir  schon Gedanken gemacht,ein neues Projekt anzufangen.3. I contemplated starting a new project.

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Frame Elements

Frame Element descriptions (on hover):

Cognizer

The person doing the mental activity (i.e. thinking). This frame element is typically the grammatical subject.

Topic

The subject of the Cognizer’s thoughts (i.e. what the Cognizer is thinking about).

Details
Examples
Grammar Notes
Sentence Templates
Alternate Forms
See All Information
denken (an+acc.) verb to think (about)

Details:

to think (about)

This verb is used very much like its English equivalent, and the two are related etymologically. Just as in English, this verb has different senses that evoke different Thinking frames. In the Pondering frame, this verb conveys thinking as a mental activity; as described in the frame description, the Cognizer thinks about a Topic for some length of time.

To express a Topic with this verb, use the preposition "an" with the accusative case.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Denkanstoß" ("thought-provoking impulse," "food for thought"), "der Denker" ("thinker"), "die Denkfalte" ("thinking wrinkle"), "der Denkfehler" ("error in reasoning," "fallacy"), "denkfaul" ("too lazy to think"), "die Denkfreiheit" ("freedom of thought"), "denkbar" ("possible," "conceivable," "imaginable"), "die Denkschrift" ("memorandum"), "das Denkspiel" ("brain game," "puzzle game"), "ausdenken / sich etwas ausdenken" ("to think of something"), "durchdenken" ("to think something through"), "gedenken" ("to remember sth. / so."), "mitdenken" (lit. "to think along," "to participate intellectually," "to be mentally present"), "nachdenken" ("to think about sth." "to reflect on sth."), "überdenken" ("to reconsider sth."), among others

Synonyms:

"überlegen," "erwägen," "reflektieren," "annehmen," "erwarten," "glauben," "meinen," "vermuten," "schätzen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„denken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/denken>, abgerufen am 17.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Michael denkt oft an seine Kindheit.
  2. Sonja war so nervös, sie konnte nicht klar denken.
  3. Erst denken, dann reden!
  4. Und sofort dachte ich an Leon.
  5. Er musste an die Zeit denken, als er mit Freunden im Sommer durch Europa gereist war.
  6. Sie dachte an nichts. 
  7. Viele junge Genossen dachten karrieristisch.
  1. Michael thinks often about his childhood.
  2. Sonja was so nervous, she could not think clearly.
  3. Think before you speak! (Lit. First think, then speak)
  4. And immediately I thought about Leon.
  5. He had to think about the time when he had travelled with friends in the summer through Europe.
  6. She thought about nothing.
  7. Many young comrades thought career-mindedly.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER denkt.
  2. COGNIZER an TOPIC.accusative.
  1. COGNIZER thinks.
  2. COGNIZER thinks about TOPIC.
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Details:

to think (about)

This verb is used very much like its English equivalent, and the two are related etymologically. Just as in English, this verb has different senses that evoke different Thinking frames. In the Pondering frame, this verb conveys thinking as a mental activity; as described in the frame description, the Cognizer thinks about a Topic for some length of time.

To express a Topic with this verb, use the preposition "an" with the accusative case.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Denkanstoß" ("thought-provoking impulse," "food for thought"), "der Denker" ("thinker"), "die Denkfalte" ("thinking wrinkle"), "der Denkfehler" ("error in reasoning," "fallacy"), "denkfaul" ("too lazy to think"), "die Denkfreiheit" ("freedom of thought"), "denkbar" ("possible," "conceivable," "imaginable"), "die Denkschrift" ("memorandum"), "das Denkspiel" ("brain game," "puzzle game"), "ausdenken / sich etwas ausdenken" ("to think of something"), "durchdenken" ("to think something through"), "gedenken" ("to remember sth. / so."), "mitdenken" (lit. "to think along," "to participate intellectually," "to be mentally present"), "nachdenken" ("to think about sth." "to reflect on sth."), "überdenken" ("to reconsider sth."), among others

Synonyms:

"überlegen," "erwägen," "reflektieren," "annehmen," "erwarten," "glauben," "meinen," "vermuten," "schätzen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„denken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/denken>, abgerufen am 17.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) denkt (an), dachte (an), hat (an) gedacht
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Denken, das noun thought

Details:

thought, thinking

"Das Denken" is the nominal form of the verb "denken." It denotes thought in the general sense, and is not used to describe individual "thoughts" (see "der Gedanke"). Some common collocations are: "abstraktes Denken" ("abstract thought"), "westliches Denken" ("western thought"), and "logisches Denken" ("logical thought").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Denkart" ("mindset," "way of thinking")

Synonyms:

"der Denkakt," "der Denkprozess," "der Denkvorgang," "die Überlegung," "der Gedanke"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Denken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Denken>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Auf dem Test stehen Aufgaben zum logischen Denken.
  2. Forscher versuchen, Computern das Denken beizubringen.
  3. In ihrer Rede erklärte Merkel ihr außenpolitisches Denken.
  4. Wie Lesen unser Denken beeinflussen kann, zeigt dieser Artikel von D. Casasanto.
  1. On the test there are tasks about logical thinking.
  2. Researchers are trying to teach thought to computers.
  3. In her speech, Merkel explained her foreign policy thinking.
  4. How reading can influence our thought, shows this article from D. Casasanto.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. [COGNIZERs Denken]
  1. [COGNIZER's thought]
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Details:

thought, thinking

"Das Denken" is the nominal form of the verb "denken." It denotes thought in the general sense, and is not used to describe individual "thoughts" (see "der Gedanke"). Some common collocations are: "abstraktes Denken" ("abstract thought"), "westliches Denken" ("western thought"), and "logisches Denken" ("logical thought").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Denkart" ("mindset," "way of thinking")

Synonyms:

"der Denkakt," "der Denkprozess," "der Denkvorgang," "die Überlegung," "der Gedanke"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Denken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Denken>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

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fragen: sich (acc.) fragen verb to wonder

Details:

to wonder, lit. to ask oneself

This verb is used with an accusative reflexive pronoun, as in "ich frage mich, warum du da bist" ("I wonder why you are here"). The meaning of this verb is similar to "überlegen" ("to consider," "to ponder"), and similarly, "sich fragen" is often used with a dependent clause introduced by a question word (see examples 1 and 4-6).

Further details:

Synonyms:

"etwas überlegen," "sich über etwas nicht im Klaren sein," "sich wundern," "gern wissen wollen," "hinterfragen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fragen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/fragen>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jenna fragt sich, was morgen passiert.
  2. "Und was hat er bloß?" wird sie sich  fragen.
  3. Das frag' ich mich  auch.
  4. Obwohl sie sich  fragte, was es da noch zu besprechen gab.
  5. Und im Zeitalter der unmittelbaren Kommunikation kann man sich  fragen, ob Realismus moralisch ist.
  6. Aber man darf sich  fragen, warum sollte ein Bankier so viel Geld durch sein Institut laufen lassen, ohne irgendetwas daran zu verdienen.
  1. Jenna wonders, what will happen tomorrow.
  2. "And just what does he have?" will she wonder.
  3. That I wonder also.
  4. Although she wondered what there was there to discuss.
  5. And in the time period of direct communication one can wonder whether realism is moral.
  6. But one may wonder, why should a banker let so much money through his institute run, without earning something from it.
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Grammar:

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

Verbs that are used reflexively often carry a reciprocal meaning or the meaning that the subject is performing the action of the verb on themself, although some abstract verbs are used reflexively without such meanings. In any case, the reflexive pronouns and word order are the same. As a general rule, the reflexive pronoun should appear just after the subject, although the V2 rule trumps this one, so in a basic sentence, you will find: subject, verb, reflexive (e.g. "Er verliebt sich in Melanie," "He is falling in love with Melanie"). For further examples, consult the Examples sections of reflexive verbs. Click here for further explanation.

NominativAkkusativDativ
ichmichmir
dudichdir
er/sie/essichsich
wirunsuns
ihreucheuch
sie/Siesichsich
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER fragt sich, ob / warum / wer / wann / usw...
  2. COGNIZER fragt sich TOPIC.
  1. COGNIZER wonders, whether / why / who / when / etc...
  2. COGNIZER wonders TOPIC.
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Details:

to wonder, lit. to ask oneself

This verb is used with an accusative reflexive pronoun, as in "ich frage mich, warum du da bist" ("I wonder why you are here"). The meaning of this verb is similar to "überlegen" ("to consider," "to ponder"), and similarly, "sich fragen" is often used with a dependent clause introduced by a question word (see examples 1 and 4-6).

Further details:

Synonyms:

"etwas überlegen," "sich über etwas nicht im Klaren sein," "sich wundern," "gern wissen wollen," "hinterfragen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fragen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/fragen>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) fragt sich, fragte sich, hat sich gefragt
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Gedanke, der noun thought, idea

Details:

thought, idea

In contrast to "das Denken" ("thought," "thinking"), "der Gedanke" refers to individual thoughts. It is a weak noun, which means that when it is in a case other than the nominative, it gets an extra "n" as in: "Ich bin auf einen Gedanken gekommen" ("I came to a thought/idea"). For more on weak nouns, see Grimm Grammar.

There are several options for encoding a TOPIC: the preposition "an" in the accusative case, an infinitive clause, or a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"). See examples and sentence templates for more information.

This noun also appears in the Thinking: Opinion frame.

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Gedankengut" ("body of thought," "ideas," "thinking"), "der Gedankengang" ("train, line of thought"), "der Gedankenaustausch" ("exchange of ideas"), "gedankenlos" ("thoughtless," "unthinking," "brainless"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Einsicht," "die Erkenntnis," "die Anregung," "der Einfall," "die Idee," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Gedanke“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Gedanke>, abgerufen am 18.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Klaus hat oft negative Gedanken.
  2. Bei dem Gedanken an den Krieg beginnt sie zu weinen.
  3. Er wollte diesen Gedanken nicht denken.
  4. Ein Gedanke geht mir durch den Kopf.
  5. Unsere Gedanken sind heute bei Eduard Gutknecht.
  6. Sami war in Gedanken verloren.
  7. Die Gedanken, mit denen man aus der Ausstellung geht, hat der Kritiker zusammengefasst.
  8. Der junge Mann ist auf den Gedanken gekommen, eine Bank zu überfallen.
  9. Ihm kommt der Gedanke, dass seine Musik das Baby wecken könnte.
  10. Der Gedanke an das Unglück macht uns traurig.
  11. Sie ist ganz in Gedanken versunken.
  1. Klaus has often negative thoughts.
  2. At the thought of the war she begins to cry.
  3. He didn't want to think these thoughts.
  4. A thought goes through my head.
  5. Our thoughts are today with Eduard Gutknecht.
  6. Sami was in thoughts lost.
  7. The thoughts, with which one out of the exhibit goes, summarized the critic.
  8. The young man came to the idea to rob a bank.
  9. To him comes the thought that his music could wake the baby.
  10. The thought of the accident makes us sad.
  11. She is completely lost in thoughts.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. [COGNIZERs Gedanke]
  2. [der Gedanke an TOPIC.accusative]
  3. [bei dem Gedanken an TOPIC.accusative]
  4. [COGNIZERs Gedanken sind bei TOPIC.person]
  5. COGNIZER kommt auf den Gedanken, TOPIC.Infinitivsatz.
  6. Der Gedanke kommt COGNIZER.dative, dass...
  1. [COGNIZER's thought]
  2. [the thought of TOPIC]
  3. [at the thought of TOPIC]
  4. [COGNIZER's thoughts are with TOPIC.person]
  5. COGNIZER comes to the thought / idea, TOPIC.infinitive_clause.
  6. The thought comes to COGNIZER, that...
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Details:

thought, idea

In contrast to "das Denken" ("thought," "thinking"), "der Gedanke" refers to individual thoughts. It is a weak noun, which means that when it is in a case other than the nominative, it gets an extra "n" as in: "Ich bin auf einen Gedanken gekommen" ("I came to a thought/idea"). For more on weak nouns, see Grimm Grammar.

There are several options for encoding a TOPIC: the preposition "an" in the accusative case, an infinitive clause, or a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"). See examples and sentence templates for more information.

This noun also appears in the Thinking: Opinion frame.

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Gedankengut" ("body of thought," "ideas," "thinking"), "der Gedankengang" ("train, line of thought"), "der Gedankenaustausch" ("exchange of ideas"), "gedankenlos" ("thoughtless," "unthinking," "brainless"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Einsicht," "die Erkenntnis," "die Anregung," "der Einfall," "die Idee," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Gedanke“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Gedanke>, abgerufen am 18.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Gedanken
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Gedanken: sich Gedanken machen (über+acc.) multi-word expression to contemplate, to think over, to give thought (to)

Details:

to contemplate, to think over, to give thought to, lit. to make oneself thoughts

This expression is very similar in meaning to "überlegen" ("to think over") and "nachdenken" ("to reflect," "to contemplate"), but can also be used in a way that is closer to "sich Sorgen machen" ("to worry"), as in "Wir machen uns keine Gedanken, wie viele Punkte sie haben" ("We aren't worried about how many points they have").

This expression can be used with the Cognizer only, or with the Topic expressed in either a prepositional phrase (with "über" or "um" meaning "about") or in a whole dependent clause. The dependent clause can be an infinitive clause (where English would use use "-ing"), as in "Ich mache mir Gedanken, ein Auto zu kaufen" ("I'm giving thought to buying a car"). Alternatively, the dependent clause can be introduced with a question word (but watch that word order!).

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Gedanke“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Gedanke>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

Korpustreffer für "sich Gedanken machen", aus dem Kernkorpus des Digitalen Wörterbuchs der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/r/?corpus=kern&h=1&q=sich+Gedanken+machen&from=wb>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

"Gedanke" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

"Machen" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Joachim macht sich Gedanken.
  2. Die Firma macht sich  keine Gedanken über die Balance zwischen Nachfrage und Angebot.
  3. Ich habe mir  schon Gedanken gemacht, ein neues Projekt anzufangen.
  4. Man muss sich  Gedanken machen, aber man darf sich nicht verrückt machen lassen.
  5. Ich mache mir  konkret Gedanken, wie wir die Belastung verteilen können.
  6. Darüber machen wir uns  Gedanken.
  7. Über manche Dinge sollte man sich  einfach nicht zu viele Gedanken machen.
  8. Der Italiener macht sich  aber Gedanken um neue Ausfälle.
  1. Joachim is contemplating / worrying.
  2. The firm is not thinking about the balance between demand and supply.
  3. I contemplated starting a new project.
  4. One must contemplate, but one may not let oneself be made crazy.
  5. I am concretely thinking over how we can spread the burden.
  6. To that we are giving thought.
  7. About some things should one simply not too much thought give.
  8. The Italian however, is giving thought to new losses.
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Grammar:

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

Verbs that are used reflexively often carry a reciprocal meaning or the meaning that the subject is performing the action of the verb on themself, although some abstract verbs are used reflexively without such meanings. In any case, the reflexive pronouns and word order are the same. As a general rule, the reflexive pronoun should appear just after the subject, although the V2 rule trumps this one, so in a basic sentence, you will find: subject, verb, reflexive (e.g. "Er verliebt sich in Melanie," "He is falling in love with Melanie"). For further examples, consult the Examples sections of reflexive verbs. Click here for further explanation.

NominativAkkusativDativ
ichmichmir
dudichdir
er/sie/essichsich
wirunsuns
ihreucheuch
sie/Siesichsich
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER macht sich Gedanken.
  2. COGNIZER macht sich Gedanken über TOPIC.accusative.
  3. COGNIZER macht sich Gedanken, wie / wer / warum / usw...TOPIC.
  4. COGNIZER macht sich Gedanken, TOPIC.Infinitivsatz.
  5. COGNIZER macht sich Gedanken um TOPIC.
  1. COGNIZER contemplates.
  2. COGNIZER gives thought to TOPIC.
  3. COGNIZER gives thought to how / who / why / etc...TOPIC.
  4. COGNIZER contemplates TOPIC.infinitive_clause.
  5. COGNIZER gives thought to TOPIC.
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Details:

to contemplate, to think over, to give thought to, lit. to make oneself thoughts

This expression is very similar in meaning to "überlegen" ("to think over") and "nachdenken" ("to reflect," "to contemplate"), but can also be used in a way that is closer to "sich Sorgen machen" ("to worry"), as in "Wir machen uns keine Gedanken, wie viele Punkte sie haben" ("We aren't worried about how many points they have").

This expression can be used with the Cognizer only, or with the Topic expressed in either a prepositional phrase (with "über" or "um" meaning "about") or in a whole dependent clause. The dependent clause can be an infinitive clause (where English would use use "-ing"), as in "Ich mache mir Gedanken, ein Auto zu kaufen" ("I'm giving thought to buying a car"). Alternatively, the dependent clause can be introduced with a question word (but watch that word order!).

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Gedanke“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Gedanke>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

Korpustreffer für "sich Gedanken machen", aus dem Kernkorpus des Digitalen Wörterbuchs der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/r/?corpus=kern&h=1&q=sich+Gedanken+machen&from=wb>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

"Gedanke" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

"Machen" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) macht sich Gedanken, machte sich Gedanken, hat sich Gedanken gemacht
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Idee, die noun idea

Details:

idea

Used similarly to English "idea," often in combination with "zu" ("to"), as in "er hatte die Idee, das Geld früher als geplant zu nehmen" ("he had the idea to take the money earlier than planned"). See Grimm Grammar for details on infinitive clauses. 

This noun also appears in the Thinking: Awareness frame, where its meaning concerns the Cognizer's ideas about (i.e. understanding of) the world.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Ideenfindung" ("ideation," "brainstorming"), "der Ideenreichtum" ("richness of idea," "imaginativeness," "imagination"), "der Ideenaustausch" ("exchange of ideas"), "ideenlos" ("uninspired," "without imagination"), "ideenreich" ("imaginative"), "die Grundidee" ("basic idea," "basic concept"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Eingebung," "die Erleuchtung," "der Gedanke," "der Einfall"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Idee“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Idee>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er hat eine Idee, vielleicht die originellste seines Lebens.
  2. Sascha kommt plötzlich auf die Idee zu verreisen.
  3. Wie, um alles in der Welt, waren wir auf so eine Idee gekommen?
  4. Mir kommt plötzlich eine Idee!
  5. Du bringst mich auf eine Idee.
  6. Die Idee von Gründern, viele private Kunden zu erreichen, hat sich oftmals als eher schwierig und teuer erwiesen.
  1. He has an idea, maybe the most original of his life.
  2. Sascha comes suddenly to the idea to travel.
  3. How, in all the world, had we come to such an idea?
  4. To me comes suddenly an idea!
  5. You gave me an idea. (Lit. You brought me to an idea.)
  6. The idea of the founders, many private customers to reach, had proved itself often as rather difficult and expensive.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER hat eine Idee.
  2. COGNIZER kommt auf die Idee, TOPIC.Infinitivsatz.
  3. [COGNIZERs Idee]
  4. [Idee über TOPIC.accusative]
  1. COGNIZER has an idea.
  2. COGNIZER gets the idea TOPIC.infinitive_clause.
  3. [COGNIZER's idea]
  4. [Idea about TOPIC]
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Details:

idea

Used similarly to English "idea," often in combination with "zu" ("to"), as in "er hatte die Idee, das Geld früher als geplant zu nehmen" ("he had the idea to take the money earlier than planned"). See Grimm Grammar for details on infinitive clauses. 

This noun also appears in the Thinking: Awareness frame, where its meaning concerns the Cognizer's ideas about (i.e. understanding of) the world.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Ideenfindung" ("ideation," "brainstorming"), "der Ideenreichtum" ("richness of idea," "imaginativeness," "imagination"), "der Ideenaustausch" ("exchange of ideas"), "ideenlos" ("uninspired," "without imagination"), "ideenreich" ("imaginative"), "die Grundidee" ("basic idea," "basic concept"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Eingebung," "die Erleuchtung," "der Gedanke," "der Einfall"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Idee“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Idee>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Ideen
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nachdenken (über+acc.) verb to reflect (on), to ponder, to contemplate, to consider

Details:

to reflect (on), to ponder, to contemplate, to consider

This verb entails a deeper kind of thinking than "denken." This is the kind of thinking conveyed in phrases such as "thought-provoking" ("zum Nachdenken anregend") or "it really makes you think" ("es bringt einen zum Nachdenken"). 

English has many potential translation equivalents for "nachdenken," including simply "to think."

Further details:

Word formation:

"nachdenklich" ("pensive," "thoughtful," "contemplative")

Synonyms:

"sich das Hirn zermartern," "brüten über," "grübeln," "sich den Kopf zerbrechen," "nachgrübeln," "nachsinnen," "überdenken," "überlegen," "reflektieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nachdenken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nachdenken>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er denkt nicht viel nach.
  2. Bevor ich eine Entscheidung treffe, muss ich ein bisschen nachdenken.
  3. Ich weiß es nicht; darüber habe ich noch nicht nachgedacht.
  4. Der CSU-Chef hat die CDU aufgefordert, über eine Zusammenarbeit mit den Grünen nachzudenken.
  5. Je länger er über die Jacke nachdachte, desto unwohler fühlte er sich.
  6. Niemand würde über seinen Tod nachdenken.
  7. Ich weiß nicht, was ich machen soll. Ich muss nachdenken.
  1. He doesn't think deeply much.
  2. Before I make a decision, I must reflect a little.
  3. I don't know that; I have not yet reflected on that.
  4. The CSU-leader challenged the CDU to consider a collaboration with the Green party.
  5. The longer he thought about the jacket, the more uneasy he felt.
  6. No one would think about his death.
  7. I don't know what I should do. I need to think.
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Grammar:

Verbs with Separable Prefixes

Some verbs have a prefix that moves around in the sentence, depending on what form the verb takes. You can expect the prefix to appear at the end of the sentence or clause, but whether the verb appears there with it depends on the rest of the sentence (tense, presence of a modal verb, etc.). In the infinitive form, the prefix is attached, like "ausgehen" ("to go out"). If the verb is conjugated (in present or simple past tense), the prefix appears at the end of the clause, as in "Ich gehe heute Abend aus" ("I am going out tonight"). The chart below shows several structural variants for these kinds of verbs. For more information, see the examples for individual verbs in the G-FOL or read these explanations from Grimm Grammar: present tense, conversational past tense (Perfekt).

Die erste Stelle (first position)V2 (verb 2nd)Rest (the rest of the info)am Ende (at the end)
Am Samstagabendgeheich mit Freundenaus.
Ichgingam Samstagabend mit Freunden aus.
Mit Freundenbinich am Samstagabendausgegangen.
Wanngeheich mit Freundenaus?
Ichkannnicht am Samstagabend mit Freunden ausgehen.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER denkt nach.
  2. COGNIZER denkt über TOPIC.accusative nach.
  1. COGNIZER reflects.
  2. COGNIZER reflects on TOPIC.
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Details:

to reflect (on), to ponder, to contemplate, to consider

This verb entails a deeper kind of thinking than "denken." This is the kind of thinking conveyed in phrases such as "thought-provoking" ("zum Nachdenken anregend") or "it really makes you think" ("es bringt einen zum Nachdenken"). 

English has many potential translation equivalents for "nachdenken," including simply "to think."

Further details:

Word formation:

"nachdenklich" ("pensive," "thoughtful," "contemplative")

Synonyms:

"sich das Hirn zermartern," "brüten über," "grübeln," "sich den Kopf zerbrechen," "nachgrübeln," "nachsinnen," "überdenken," "überlegen," "reflektieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nachdenken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nachdenken>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) denkt nach, dachte nach, hat nachgedacht
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überlegen verb to think over, to contemplate, to consider, to wonder

Details:

to think over, to consider, to wonder, to think about

Like its near synonym, "nachdenken," this verb indicates a deeper kind of thinking. "Überlegen" has a slight connotation of reasoning or figuring out, while "nachdenken" focuses on contemplation, reflection, or analysis.

To express a Topic of contemplation, "überlegen" can be used with a dependent clause headed by a question word (as in sentence template 3). This configuration can also be used to express that a Cognizer is wondering about a Topic. Whether this meaning is intended is only discernable from context.

This verb can also be used with a reflexive pronoun in the dative case, as in "das überlege ich mir" ("that I'll think over"). The difference in meaning between "überlegen" and "sich überlegen" is negligible, but dictionaries typically characterize "überlegen" as an activity like thinking something through before coming to a decision, while they describe "sich überlegen" as something more akin to thinking through in the sense of calculating.

Further details:

Word formation:

"wohlüberlegt" ("well-considered," "deliberate"), "unüberlegt" ("inconsiderate," "imprudent")

Synonyms:

"etwas bedenken," "etwas durchdenken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überlegen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberlegen#1>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Celia überlegt, noch ein Jahr in Deutschland zu bleiben.
  2. Lass mich kurz überlegen.
  3. Der Arzt überlegt sich eine bessere Lösung.
  4. Ich habe es mir überlegt, und ich habe mich entschlossen, nicht mitzumachen.
  5. Gunnar überlegt,  warum er an der Universität nicht angenommen wurde.
  6. Ich überlegte kurz, ob ich mein Glas heben sollte.
  7. Ich überlege ernsthaft, ob ich in eine andere Stadt ziehen soll.
  1. Celia is considering staying in Germany for another year.
  2. Let me think it over for a while.
  3. The doctor is considering a better solution.
  4. I considered it, and I decided not to participate.
  5. Gunnar wonders why he wasn't accepted at the university.
  6. I thought over quickly, whether I should raise my glass.
  7. I am seriously considering to move in another city.
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Grammar:

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

Verbs that are used reflexively often carry a reciprocal meaning or the meaning that the subject is performing the action of the verb on themself, although some abstract verbs are used reflexively without such meanings. In any case, the reflexive pronouns and word order are the same. As a general rule, the reflexive pronoun should appear just after the subject, although the V2 rule trumps this one, so in a basic sentence, you will find: subject, verb, reflexive (e.g. "Er verliebt sich in Melanie," "He is falling in love with Melanie"). For further examples, consult the Examples sections of reflexive verbs. Click here for further explanation.

NominativAkkusativDativ
ichmichmir
dudichdir
er/sie/essichsich
wirunsuns
ihreucheuch
sie/Siesichsich
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. COGNIZER überlegt.
  2. COGNIZER überlegt TOPIC.
  3. COGNIZER überlegt, TOPIC.Infinitivsatz.
  4. COGNIZER überlegt sich, was / wie / ob / warum...
  1. COGNIZER contemplates.
  2. COGNIZER contemplates TOPIC.
  3. COGNIZER contemplates TOPIC.infinitive_clause.
  4. COGNIZER considers, what / how / whether / why...
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Details:

to think over, to consider, to wonder, to think about

Like its near synonym, "nachdenken," this verb indicates a deeper kind of thinking. "Überlegen" has a slight connotation of reasoning or figuring out, while "nachdenken" focuses on contemplation, reflection, or analysis.

To express a Topic of contemplation, "überlegen" can be used with a dependent clause headed by a question word (as in sentence template 3). This configuration can also be used to express that a Cognizer is wondering about a Topic. Whether this meaning is intended is only discernable from context.

This verb can also be used with a reflexive pronoun in the dative case, as in "das überlege ich mir" ("that I'll think over"). The difference in meaning between "überlegen" and "sich überlegen" is negligible, but dictionaries typically characterize "überlegen" as an activity like thinking something through before coming to a decision, while they describe "sich überlegen" as something more akin to thinking through in the sense of calculating.

Further details:

Word formation:

"wohlüberlegt" ("well-considered," "deliberate"), "unüberlegt" ("inconsiderate," "imprudent")

Synonyms:

"etwas bedenken," "etwas durchdenken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überlegen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberlegen#1>, abgerufen am 22.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) überlegt, überlegte, hat überlegt
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