German word

Rätsel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɛːtsl̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounriddle

Example

Wir lösen oft Rätsel zusammen.

We often solve riddles together.

Illustration for Rätsel (riddle)

More examples

Der Ursprung des Phänomens bleibt ein Rätsel.

The origin of the phenomenon remains a riddle.

Core concept

A knot of clues or facts invites a solution, while an unexplained matter can remain equally puzzling.

Common phrases

  • etwas bleibt ein Rätsel

    Something remains a riddle

  • für mich ein Rätsel sein

    be a riddle to me

Similar words

Geheimnis: Something kept hidden from other people.
Mysterium: An unexplained event or phenomenon that seems strange and mysterious.
Puzzle: A game or problem solved by fitting pieces or combining clues.
Knobelaufgabe: A small brain teaser solved through logic or ingenuity.

Definition in German

Eine kurze Frage oder Aufgabe, deren Antwort man durch Raten oder Nachdenken finden muss.

Word origin

The noun Rätsel comes from Middle High German rætzel, a formation related to raten, meaning to guess or conjecture.

Usage tips

  • In figurative use, etwas bleibt ein Rätsel means that something remains inexplicable, not only that it is a recreational riddle.

Other meanings

  • conundrumnoun
  • puzzlenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word