um|denken
Translation
to rethink, to change one's way of thinking
Examples
Wir müssen in dieser Sache umdenken.
We have to rethink this matter.
Die Regierung muss endlich umdenken.
The government must finally change its way of thinking.
Es ist Zeit, radikal umzudenken.
It's time for a radical rethink.
Grammar Patterns
umdenken to rethink We have to rethink.
((in sth.)) umdenken to rethink (in an area) In politics, we have to rethink.
Similar Words
Synonyms: neu überlegen (to reconsider), seine Meinung ändern (to change one's opinion)
Etymology
From the prefix 'um-' (around, re-) + 'denken' (to think). It literally means 'to think around' a problem, or to re-think.
Memory Tips
The prefix 'um-' often implies a change of direction. Just as 'umziehen' is to move house, 'umdenken' is to move your thinking.