denken
Meaning and Usage
"Denken" means "to think" in German and refers to the mental process of considering, reflecting, or forming opinions and ideas.
Linguistic Analysis
"Denk-" is the root indicating the mental process of thinking, while "-en" is the infinitive ending for verbs in German. The word comes from the Old High German word "thenken."
Comparisons between German and English
The English equivalent of "denken" is "to think." Both words share a common Germanic origin and have similar usage and meaning.
Cultural Context
"Denken" is a fundamental verb in German communication, essential for expressing thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations in various situations and contexts.
Example Sentences
- Ich denke, dass er Recht hat. (I think he's right.)
- Woran denkst du gerade? (What are you thinking about right now?)
Memory Tips
Think of "denken" as similar to "think" in English with the same meaning.
Additional Vocabulary
Synonyms: nachdenken (to reflect), überlegen (to consider) Antonyms: vergessen (to forget), missachten (to disregard)
Conjugation (for verbs)
Ich denke (I think) Du denkst (You think) Er/sie/es denkt (He/she/it thinks) Wir denken (We think) Ihr denkt (You (plural) think) Sie denken (They think)