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.
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 show
'zeigen' and 'reflektieren' can both mean that something reveals an attitude, mood, or development. 'zeigen' is more general and fits in many ordinary sentences. 'reflektieren' here means more like 'to mirror' and sounds more formal or factual. It is often used with texts, results, decisions, or behavior. If you simply want to say that something becomes visible or clear, 'zeigen' is more natural. If something reflects a larger context or an inner attitude, 'reflektieren' fits better.
Seine Antwort reflektiert die Unsicherheit im ganzen Team.
His answer reflects the uncertainty in the whole team.
Die Umfrage zeigt, dass viele Kunden zufrieden sind.
The survey shows that many customers are satisfied.