nadenken

Nadenken is a Dutch verb meaning to think carefully about something, to reflect, or to ponder. It denotes a mental process of considering information, weighing options, or evaluating consequences before acting. The noun form is het nadenken, referring to the act or state of thinking.

Usage and construction

Nadenken is commonly used with the preposition over to indicate the subject of reflection, as in nadenken over een situatie. In sentences, the verb appears in various tenses: present tense ik denk na, jij denkt na, hij/zij denkt na; past tense ik dacht na; present perfect ik heb nagedacht. The verb is often employed with er and over, as in ik denk erover na, wij moeten er even over nadenken. A related form, nadenk, is the imperative singular: Denk na!

Comparison and nuance

Nadenken emphasizes the process of careful consideration. Related verbs include overwegen (to consider, weigh options) and overdenken (to think through thoroughly). While overwegen focuses on weighing alternatives, nadenken can be a broader, more immediate act of reflection, sometimes without a final decision.

Examples

- We moeten nog even over dit voorstel nadenken.

- Voordat je iets beslist, moet je er goed over nadenken.

Nadenken is a common linguistic tool in everyday decision-making, education, journalism, and policy discussions, reflecting the value placed on deliberate thought in Dutch-speaking contexts.

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