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sich besinnen

to reflect; to collect one's thoughts; to come to one's senses

verb zikh beh-ZI-nen Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Usage Note

sich besinnen means to pause and reflect carefully. With auf: sich auf etwas besinnen = to recall something. Also used morally: sich auf seine Werte besinnen (to return to one's values). Past tense: er besann sich.

Examples

"Er musste sich einen Moment besinnen, bevor er die Frage beantworten konnte."

Natural Translation

He had to collect his thoughts for a moment before he could answer the question.

Literal Translation

He had to himself a moment reflect, before he the question answer could.

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