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.

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