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Querdenken

lateral thinking

noun KVAYR-den-ken Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Also means

thinking outside the box

Usage Note

Querdenken refers to unconventional or cross-disciplinary thinking that challenges accepted assumptions. Since 2020 it has also gained a negative political connotation in Germany associated with conspiracy thinking, so context matters strongly.

Examples

"Kreative Problemlösung erfordert oft Querdenken."

Natural Translation

Creative problem solving often requires lateral thinking.

Literal Translation

Creative problem-solving requires often lateral-thinking.

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