01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
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 bewusst
conscious / deliberate
'bewusst' and 'denkend' both have to do with the mind and inner attention. Here, 'bewusst' means that someone knows something or is clear about something. 'denkend' more often describes that someone is thinking, reflecting, or generally has the ability to think. The word 'denkend' is less common in everyday language and often sounds somewhat elevated or general. The risk of confusion arises because knowing and thinking are closely related. When the point is that someone knows a fact, you say 'sich bewusst sein' (to be aware). When the activity of thinking something through is central, 'denkend' fits.
denkend
Als denkender Mensch prüft Mehmet die Nachricht, bevor er sie teilt.
As a thinking person, Mehmet checks the message before sharing it.
bewusst
Wir sind uns bewusst, dass die Entscheidung für das Team wichtig ist.
We are aware that the decision is important for the team.
In real life
Loading video examples...