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nachgrübeln

to keep brooding

verb NAKH-grue-beln Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Also means

to ruminate persistently

Usage Note

Nachgrübeln adds the sense of continuing to brood after the fact. Über etwas nachgrübeln implies dwelling on an issue repeatedly once it has passed. It is more persistent and retrospective than plain grübeln.

Examples

"Noch Wochen später grübelte er über die Entscheidung nach."

Natural Translation

Even weeks later he kept brooding over the decision.

Literal Translation

Still weeks afterwards brooded he over the decision after.

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