reason
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reason
The human ability to think logically, recognize connections, make judgments, and act sensibly and thoughtfully on that basis.
Lass uns die Entscheidung mit Vernunft treffen und nicht aus einer Laune heraus.
Let's make the decision with reason and not on a whim.
to see reason
To become sensible; to stop acting unreasonably or irrationally and adopt a reasonable attitude.
Nach langem Streit hat er endlich Vernunft angenommen und eingelenkt.
After a long argument, he finally saw reason and gave in.
to bring someone to reason
To influence someone so that they give up their unreasonable behavior and act sensibly again.
Niemand schaffte es, den sturen Jungen zur Vernunft zu bringen.
No one managed to bring the stubborn boy to reason.
'Die Vernunft' (reason) belongs to the word family of the adjective 'vernünftig' (reasonable/sensible). When someone acts sensibly, they are using their reason.
Es ist nicht vernünftig, bei diesem Wetter ohne Jacke nach draußen zu gehen.
It is not sensible to go outside without a jacket in this weather.
Common phrases are 'an die Vernunft appellieren' (to appeal to someone's reason) or 'mit Vernunft handeln' (to act sensibly/thoughtfully).
Der Politiker appellierte an die Vernunft der Bürger.
The politician appealed to the citizens' reason.
The idiom 'Vernunft annehmen' (to see reason) is a fixed collocation. It means that a person becomes sensible again after a phase of unreasonable behavior.
Wir hoffen, dass er bald Vernunft annimmt und den Streit beendet.
We hope that he sees reason soon and ends the argument.
In the expression 'jemanden zur Vernunft bringen' (to bring someone to reason), the person who is to be persuaded is always in the accusative.
Ihre Freunde versuchten, sie zur Vernunft zu bringen.
Her friends tried to bring her to reason.
mind / reason
Verstand helps you understand something, think logically, and make judgments. Vernunft also includes this ability, but places more emphasis on sound, thoughtful judgment that also guides your actions. When you are talking only about thinking, Verstand is usually the better choice; when responsible action is involved, Vernunft is more appropriate.
Aus Vernunft verschob sie die Reise, weil ein schwerer Sturm angekündigt war.
She postponed the trip out of good judgment because a severe storm had been forecast.
Mit etwas Verstand findet man schnell heraus, wie die Maschine funktioniert.
With a little common sense, you can quickly figure out how the machine works.
