denken
to think
To engage in mental activity; to occupy one's mind with something, have an opinion, or imagine something.
EXAMPLE
Ich denke, dass es morgen regnen wird.
I think that it will rain tomorrow.
denken
to think
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
denken an
to think of
To direct one's thoughts toward a person, thing, or event; to remember something.
EXAMPLE
Ich denke oft an unsere gemeinsame Schulzeit.
I often think of our school days together.
denken von
to think of
To have a particular opinion or judgment about someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Was denkst du von dem neuen Film?
What do you think of the new film?
sich (etwas) denken
to figure / imagine
To imagine something or arrive at a certain conclusion. Can also express surprise or confirmation.
EXAMPLE
Das habe ich mir schon gedacht, dass du das sagen würdest.
I already figured that you would say that.
Usage tips
Important prepositions
'Denken' (to think) uses different prepositions for different meanings. 'Denken an (+ accusative)' directs one's thoughts toward something, while 'denken von (+ dative)' asks for an opinion.
EXAMPLE
Ich denke an die schöne Zeit am Meer.
I think of the lovely time by the sea.
Word family
'Denken' (to think) is the basis for a large word family. Important related words are the noun 'der Gedanke' (thought) and the separable verb 'nachdenken' (to reflect on something).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Gedanke gefällt mir.
I like that thought.
Expressing an opinion
To express an opinion or assumption, 'denken' (to think) is very often used with a subordinate clause that begins with 'dass' (that). The conjugated verb of the subordinate clause comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Ich denke, dass wir auf dem richtigen Weg sind.
I think that we are on the right path.
Fixed preposition: an
When your thoughts are directed toward a person or thing, always use the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er denkt jeden Tag an seine Familie in der Heimat.
He thinks every day of his family back home.
Fixed preposition: von
When you ask for an opinion about someone or something, or express an opinion, use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß nicht, was ich von der Situation denken soll.
I don't know what to think of the situation.
Reflexive use
The reflexive expression 'sich etwas denken' means that one assumes something or comes to a conclusion. The pronoun is in the dative (mir, dir, sich...).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann mir schon denken, was jetzt passiert.
I can already figure out what will happen now.
Compare with
denken vs finden
to find
Here, finden typically expresses a personal evaluation of something. Denken can express an opinion, assumption, or idea more generally and is therefore less clearly marked as a direct evaluation. Finden is especially suitable for a personal judgment; denken also works for a general assessment.
denken
Ich denke, dass der neue Film wirklich gelungen ist.
I think the new film is really well made.
finden
Ich finde den neuen Film wirklich gelungen.
I find the new film really well made.
In real life
Loading video examples...