verb
to think about, to reflect
B1
To think about; to reflect. Nachdenken is a common separable verb (denkt nach) meaning to consider or reflect on something, usually with the preposition 'über' + accusative. It uses auxiliary 'haben' in perfect tenses, is mixed/irregular (dachte, nachgedacht), and is not reflexive.
Examples
Ich denke über meine Zukunft nach.
I'm thinking about my future.
Ich habe viel darüber nachgedacht.
I've thought a lot about it.
Sie denken über das Konzept nach.
They are thinking about the concept.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a person sitting with a hand on their chin, turning ideas over in their mind.
Sounds like 'knock-think' — imagine knocking ideas around in your head.
Notes
A separable verb (prefix 'nach-' separates in main clauses: 'ich denke nach'). Commonly uses the auxiliary 'haben' in compound tenses. Often used with 'über' + accusative (über etwas nachdenken). | Intransitive verb; passive voice forms are not applicable.