Dictionary
rational
German → American English
American English
rational
vernünftig, logisch; auf Vernunft beruhend
Er traf eine rationale Entscheidung, ohne sich von Emotionen leiten zu lassen."Rational" is often used in formal or academic contexts. In everyday German, "vernünftig" is often more natural when you mean sensible or reasonable.
Related words
Explore nearby vocabulary picked for learners studying this word.
Frequently asked questions
What does "rational" mean in German?
It means reasonable, logical, or based on reason rather than emotion.
Is "rational" the same as "vernünftig"?
They overlap a lot, but "vernünftig" is more common in everyday speech, while "rational" sounds a bit more formal.
How do you use "rational" in a sentence?
Example: "Eine rationale Entscheidung" means "a rational decision."