denkend
thinking
Having the ability to think, reflect, and draw rational conclusions.
EXAMPLE
Der Mensch ist ein denkendes Wesen.
Humans are thinking beings.
denkend
thinking
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Meanings
denkend
thinking
Describes an action that is accompanied by thought or reflection.
EXAMPLE
Er strich sich denkend über das Kinn, bevor er antwortete.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully before answering.
Usage tips
Present participle of 'denken'
'Denkend' (thinking) is the present participle of the verb 'denken' (to think). It describes a person or thing that is currently thinking, or an action that takes place at the same time as thinking.
EXAMPLE
Künstliche Intelligenz versucht, die Funktionsweise eines denkenden Gehirns nachzubilden.
Artificial intelligence tries to replicate how a thinking brain works.
Adjective or adverb
When 'denkend' (thinking) stands before a noun, it is an adjective and is declined. When it is used with a verb to describe an action, it is an adverb and remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Ein denkender Computer könnte viele Probleme lösen.
A thinking computer could solve many problems.
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'denkend' (thinking) is often used in philosophical or technical contexts, for example in 'denkende Wesen' (thinking beings) or 'denkende Maschinen' (thinking machines).
EXAMPLE
Philosophen diskutieren, was ein denkendes Wesen ausmacht.
Philosophers discuss what makes a thinking being.
Describing actions
As an adverb, 'denkend' (thinking) often describes a gesture or posture that expresses thoughtfulness, such as 'denkend nicken' (to nod thoughtfully), 'denkend schauen' (to look thoughtful), or 'denkend die Stirn runzeln' (to furrow one's brow thoughtfully).
EXAMPLE
Der Professor schaute denkend aus dem Fenster, bevor er die Frage beantwortete.
The professor looked thoughtfully out the window before answering the question.
Compare with
denkend vs nachdenklich
thoughtful / pensive
Nachdenklich describes a state or the impression of a person who is quietly and seriously reflecting on something. Denkend places more emphasis on the ongoing thought process during an action. Use nachdenklich for the visible mood and denkend for thinking that accompanies an activity.
denkend
Lena ging die schwierige Aufgabe denkend Schritt für Schritt durch.
Lena worked through the difficult task step by step while thinking it over.
nachdenklich
Lena saß nachdenklich am Fenster und dachte über die schwierige Aufgabe nach.
Lena sat thoughtfully by the window, thinking about the difficult task.
In real life
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