01
der Gedanke
thought
A single idea, mental image, or consideration that arises in the mind.
example
Mir kam plötzlich der Gedanke, dass ich den Herd angelassen hatte.
The thought suddenly occurred to me that I had left the stove on.
der Gedanke
thought
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Gedanke' is the noun corresponding to the verb 'denken' (to think). It describes the result of the thinking process: an idea or a consideration.
EXAMPLE
Ich denke oft an unsere gemeinsame Reise.
I often think about our trip together.
Grammar: n-declension
'Gedanke' is a weak noun (n-declension). This means that it takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular, for example 'den Gedanken' (the thought), 'dem Gedanken' (to the thought), 'die Gedanken' (the thoughts).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann deinen Gedanken nicht folgen.
I can't follow your thoughts.
Fixed expression with 'über'
The expression 'sich Gedanken machen' means 'nachdenken' (to think) or 'sich sorgen' (to worry). It is used reflexively and always takes the preposition 'über' (about) + accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich mache mir Gedanken über meine Zukunft.
I'm thinking about my future.
Typical collocation
To express that you have an intention or are thinking about a plan, the expression 'mit dem Gedanken spielen' (to toy with the idea) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Sie spielt mit dem Gedanken, nach Berlin zu ziehen.
She is toying with the idea of moving to Berlin.
Sentence structure with subordinate clause
The content of a thought is often explained by a following subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to).
EXAMPLE
Der Gedanke, dass ich etwas Wichtiges vergessen habe, beunruhigt mich.
The thought that I have forgotten something important worries me.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'in Gedanken sein' (to be lost in thought) or 'in Gedanken versunken sein' (to be absorbed in thought) describes the state when someone is thinking so deeply that they do not notice their surroundings.
EXAMPLE
Er starrte aus dem Fenster und war ganz in Gedanken.
He stared out the window and was completely lost in thought.
Compare with
Gedanke vs Idee
idea
'die Idee' and 'der Gedanke' are closely related because both can be something in the mind. 'Idee' is often used when an inspiration leads to a solution, a project, or a design. 'Gedanke' is more general and can simply be something you think about. A thought does not yet have to be a good or concrete idea. The words can be confused because an idea is also a thought. When it is about a suggestion or a concept, 'Idee' sounds more natural. When it is about thinking, worries, or a single consideration, 'Gedanke' fits better.
Gedanke
Der Gedanke an die Prüfung macht Mehmet nervös.
The thought of the exam makes Mehmet nervous.
Idee
Luisa hat eine gute Idee für das Sommerfest.
Luisa has a good idea for the summer party.
In real life
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