to think
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to think about
To occupy oneself mentally and intensively with a matter, problem, or question for a certain amount of time. It is a separable verb.
Ich muss über dein Angebot erst einmal nachdenken.
I need to think about your offer first.
to think
To be lost in thought; to muse or reflect on various things without a specific object.
Er saß am Fenster, dachte nach und bemerkte nicht, wie die Zeit verging.
He sat by the window, thought, and didn’t notice how time was passing.
'Nachdenken' (to think) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'nach' comes at the end; in a subordinate clause, the verb stays together; and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'nach' and 'denken'.
Denk bitte über meinen Vorschlag nach.
Please think about my suggestion.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'nach' and the verb 'denken' (to think). Its literal meaning is to think 'after' a thought or matter, that is, to reflect.
Eine gute Entscheidung erfordert Zeit zum Nachdenken.
A good decision requires time to think.
When you think about a specific topic, the preposition 'über' (about) with the accusative is always used. The structure is: über etwas (accusative) nachdenken.
Sie denkt oft über ihre Zukunft nach.
She often thinks about her future.
When 'nachdenken' is used without an object with 'über', it means to be generally lost in thought. If, on the other hand, 'über' + topic appears with it, it is about a specific problem.
Stör ihn nicht, er denkt gerade nach.
Don’t disturb him; he’s thinking right now.
to think
An etwas denken initially means directing your thoughts toward it. Über etwas nachdenken refers to a more focused and often longer mental engagement with a question or problem.
Ich denke seit einer Stunde über das Problem nach.
I’ve been thinking about the problem for an hour.
Ich denke gerade an das Problem.
I’m thinking about the problem right now.
