to reflect
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to reflect
To think about something intensively and thoroughly; to reconsider something or examine it mentally.
Nach dem Gespräch nahm er sich Zeit, um über die Kritik zu reflektieren.
After the conversation, he took time to reflect on the criticism.
to reflect
To throw back or mirror light, heat, or sound.
Die Wasseroberfläche reflektiert das Licht der untergehenden Sonne.
The surface of the water reflects the light of the setting sun.
to reflect
To express something, mirror something, or be an indication of something.
Die Architektur des Gebäudes reflektiert den Stil der 1920er Jahre.
The architecture of the building reflects the style of the 1920s.
Verbs that end in '-ieren' are always regular and inseparable. The past participle is formed with '-t' ('hat reflektiert' — has reflected), and the prefix is never separated from the verb.
Er hat sein Verhalten kritisch reflektiert.
He critically reflected on his behavior.
The subject of the sentence helps you understand the meaning. When a person 'reflektiert' (reflects), they think. When a surface 'reflektiert' (reflects), it throws something back (e.g., light).
Sie reflektiert oft über ihre berufliche Zukunft.
She often reflects on her professional future.
When 'reflektieren' means 'nachdenken' (to think/reflect), it is almost always followed by the preposition 'über' with the accusative. You reflect on a topic, an experience, or a problem.
Es ist wichtig, regelmäßig über die eigenen Ziele zu reflektieren.
It is important to reflect regularly on your own goals.
to think
Nachdenken and reflektieren can both describe thinking thoroughly about an experience. Nachdenken is more general, while reflektieren usually sounds more systematic and often emphasizes critically examining the experience or one’s own behavior.
Nach dem Gespräch reflektiere ich mein Verhalten kritisch und Schritt für Schritt.
After the conversation, I critically reflect on my behavior step by step.
Nach dem Gespräch denke ich in Ruhe über mein Verhalten nach.
After the conversation, I think quietly about my behavior.
