geistesabwesend

absent-minded, mentally absent

adjective GICE-tes-ap-vay-zend Rare

Usage Note

geistesabwesend describes a person whose mind is clearly elsewhere — staring into the distance, not registering what is said. It is commonly used in narration and can be sympathetic or mildly comic.

Examples

"Sie antwortete geistesabwesend und schien gar nicht zuzuhören."

Natural Translation

She answered absent-mindedly and did not seem to be listening at all.

Literal Translation

She answered mind-absent and seemed not at all to listen.

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