rumination / brooding
das Grübeln
Loading your saved state.
rumination
Prolonged and often distressing thinking about a problem, worry, or past situation without reaching a solution.
Das Grübeln über seine Fehler hielt ihn die ganze Nacht wach.
Ruminating over his mistakes kept him awake all night.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Grübelns |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Grübeln | – |
| accusative | das Grübeln | – |
| dative | dem Grübeln | – |
| genitive | des Grübelns | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Grübeln' (rumination) is a nominalized verb: it refers to the process of 'Grübeln' (ruminating). That is why it can be used like a noun with articles and adjectives.
Sein ständiges Grübeln machte ihn müde.
His constant rumination made him tired.
When the subject of the rumination is mentioned, 'Grübeln' (rumination) is often followed by 'über' (about) with the accusative. The subject can be a situation, a decision, or a person.
Das ständige Grübeln über die Prüfung raubt ihr viel Energie.
Constantly ruminating over the exam is draining her energy.
Common expressions include 'ins Grübeln kommen' (to start ruminating), 'ins Grübeln geraten' (to fall into a period of rumination), and 'sich dem Grübeln hingeben' (to give oneself over to rumination). They usually describe the beginning of or continued immersion in this state.
Nach dem Gespräch kam er über seine Zukunft ins Grübeln.
After the conversation, he started ruminating about his future.
