German Word · Intermediate
rätseln
to puzzle over
Pronunciation: /ˈʁɛːt͡sl̩n/
Meaning
to puzzle over
Example
Seit über 150 Jahren rätseln Ornithologen darüber, wieso Brieftauben immer so zielsicher ihren Weg nach Hause finden.
For more than 150 years, ornithologists have been puzzling over why carrier pigeons always find their way home so unerringly.
Practice tips
- Practice rätseln out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this German word is for intermediate-level learners.