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grüblerisch

brooding, given to brooding

adjective GRUEB-ler-ish Rare

Also means

pensive in a ruminative, obsessive way

Usage Note

grüblerisch describes a tendency to dwell on problems or questions without resolution — darker than nachdenklich (thoughtful). From grübeln (to brood, to pore over). Often implies unhelpful rumination: ein grüblerisches Gemüt — a brooding temperament.

Examples

"In grüblerischer Stimmung starrte sie stundenlang aus dem Fenster und fand keinen Ausweg."

Natural Translation

In a brooding mood she stared out of the window for hours and could find no way out.

Literal Translation

In brooding mood she stared hours long out the window and found no way-out.

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