das Bedenken
concern
A feeling of doubt, worry, or uncertainty about something. Usually used in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Trotz einiger Bedenken stimmte er dem Plan zu.
Despite some concerns, he agreed to the plan.
das Bedenken
concern / consideration
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Bedenken
consideration
The process of thinking and reflecting. Rather formal.
EXAMPLE
Nach reiflichem Bedenken der Situation kam er zu einem Entschluss.
After careful consideration of the situation, he came to a decision.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Das Bedenken' (concern / consideration) is a nominalized verb derived from the infinitive 'bedenken' (to consider). This process, in which a verb becomes a noun, is very common in German.
EXAMPLE
Das Bedenken aller Risiken ist Teil der Projektplanung.
Considering all risks is part of project planning.
Use in the plural
In the meaning of 'Zweifel' (doubt) or 'Sorge' (worry), this word is almost always used in the plural. You speak of your 'Bedenken' (concerns).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einige Bedenken bezüglich des neuen Projekts.
I have some concerns about the new project.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Bedenken' (concerns, in the plural) are 'Bedenken haben' (to have concerns), 'Bedenken äußern' (to express concerns), or 'Bedenken zerstreuen' (to dispel concerns, meaning to take away worries).
EXAMPLE
Der Manager versuchte, die Bedenken seiner Mitarbeiter zu zerstreuen.
The manager tried to dispel his employees' concerns.
Use in the singular
In the formal meaning of 'Überlegung' (consideration), 'Bedenken' is used in the singular. It often appears in the fixed expression 'nach reiflichem Bedenken' (after careful consideration), which means 'after thorough reflection'.
EXAMPLE
Nach reiflichem Bedenken hat sie das Jobangebot angenommen.
After careful consideration, she accepted the job offer.
Compare with
Bedenken vs denken
to think
Denken is a verb for engaging mentally with something. Das Bedenken is a somewhat formal noun for this process and is especially appropriate when thorough consideration before a decision is meant.
Bedenken
Nach reiflichem Bedenken entscheide ich mich für den Vorschlag.
After careful consideration, I decide in favor of the proposal.
denken
Ich denke lange, bevor ich mich für den Vorschlag entscheide.
I think for a long time before deciding in favor of the proposal.
In real life
Loading video examples...