die Überlegung
consideration
The process of thinking carefully about something in order to reach a decision or judgment.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Überlegung entschied er sich, den Job anzunehmen.
After long consideration, he decided to accept the job.
die Überlegung
consideration / thought
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Meanings
die Überlegung
thought / idea
A thought or idea that is the result of reflection.
EXAMPLE
Er präsentierte dem Team seine Überlegungen zur neuen Marketingstrategie.
He presented his thoughts on the new marketing strategy to the team.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Überlegung' (consideration/thought) is a noun derived from the verb 'überlegen' (to consider/think over). It describes either the process of thinking or the result of it.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir das gut überlegen, bevor ich eine Entscheidung treffe.
I need to think that over carefully before I make a decision.
Singular vs. plural
In the singular ('die Überlegung'), the word usually refers to the thinking process as a whole. In the plural ('die Überlegungen'), it means the individual thoughts or ideas that arise from it.
EXAMPLE
Diese Entscheidung erfordert eine sorgfältige Überlegung.
This decision requires careful consideration.
Typical collocations
When referring to the process of thinking, 'Überlegung' is often combined with adjectives like 'lang' (long), 'gründlich' (thorough), or 'reiflich' (careful). A very common phrase is 'nach langer Überlegung' (after long consideration).
EXAMPLE
Nach reiflicher Überlegung hat sie das Angebot abgelehnt.
After careful consideration, she rejected the offer.
Compare with
Überlegung vs Gedanke
thought
Der Gedanke can simply be an individual idea or thought. Die Überlegung emphasizes the deliberate weighing of factors more strongly, through which one arrives at a decision or judgment. Gedanke is appropriate for something thought of spontaneously; when several reasons are examined carefully, Überlegung is more suitable.
Überlegung
Nach langer Überlegung entschied ich mich für den Umzug.
After giving it a great deal of thought, I decided to move.
Gedanke
Der Gedanke an einen Umzug kam mir gestern beim Spaziergang.
The thought of moving came to me yesterday while I was out for a walk.
In real life
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