besonnen

level-headed

adjective be-ZON-en Less Common

Origin: from sich besinnen (to reflect, recollect)

Also means

prudent

Usage Note

besonnen describes calm, considered judgement, especially under pressure: besonnen reagieren (to react with composure). It is praise for not panicking. The opposite is unbesonnen (rash). More elevated than ruhig (calm).

Examples

"In der Krise blieb der Kapitän besonnen."

Natural Translation

In the crisis the captain remained level-headed.

Literal Translation

In the crisis stayed the captain level-headed.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Adjective Endings Made Simple

German adjective endings come down to one question, not three tables: does the article already show gender and case? If yes, the adjective stays lazy.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Two-Way Prepositions: Accusative or Dative?

Use accusative for movement into a place (wohin?) and dative for a fixed location (wo?). Master all nine German two-way prepositions with one simple test.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Umlauts & ß: Sounds and Typing

Pronounce ä, ö, ü with the front-tongue, rounded-lips rule, master the ß vs ss spelling, and type every German umlaut on Mac, Windows, and phone.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read