rethink
das Umdenken
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rethink
A change in an existing way of thinking or attitude that leads to a new assessment or a different course of action.
Die steigenden Energiekosten haben in vielen Unternehmen ein Umdenken ausgelöst.
Rising energy costs have prompted a rethink in many companies.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Umdenkens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Umdenken | – |
| accusative | das Umdenken | – |
| dative | dem Umdenken | – |
| genitive | des Umdenkens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Umdenken' (rethink) consists of 'um-' and 'denken' (to think) and is a verb used as a noun. Here, the prefix 'um-' indicates a change in direction; the noun refers to the process of changing one's thinking.
Ein Umdenken in der Verkehrspolitik braucht Zeit.
A rethink of transport policy takes time.
Common collocations include 'ein Umdenken auslösen' (to prompt a rethink), 'ein Umdenken erfordern' (to require a rethink), and 'ein Umdenken findet statt' (a rethink is taking place). You can use these to describe what prompts a rethink, why one is needed, or how one is actually taking place.
Der zunehmende Wassermangel erfordert ein Umdenken in der Landwirtschaft.
The growing water shortage requires a rethink in agriculture.
Use 'jemanden zum Umdenken bringen' (to get someone to rethink) to describe something that prompts a person to change their attitude. The person is in the accusative case; 'zum Umdenken' is a fixed part of this construction.
Die neuen Forschungsergebnisse haben den Minister zum Umdenken gebracht.
The new research findings have prompted the minister to rethink.
