'Rätsel' Definition

What is the meaning of the German word 'Rätsel'?

Home > German Language > What is the meaning of Rätsel?

The word 'Rätsel' is a German word that can mean 'Puzzle' in English. You can find example sentences below to help you understand how to use the word in context.

Definition of 'Rätsel' in English

Das Rätsel - The puzzle

noun , neuter

Related Words

Verschwundenen

German Challenges

Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb "hängen" in this sentence?

Die Schlüssel hängen am Kleiderhaken

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The correct preposition to use with "hängen" is "an", resulting in "hängen an". Therefore, "Die Schlüssel hängen am Kleiderhaken" means "The keys are hanging on the clothes hook". Note that "an dem" gets shortened to "am".
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Beginner

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb "kommt" in this sentence?

Mein Freund kommt aus den USA

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The correct preposition to use with "kommt" is "aus" when indicating a geographical origin. Thus, "Mein Freund kommt aus den USA" translates to "My friend comes from the U.S."
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Beginner

Which coordinating conjunction fits best in this sentence?

Ich möchte Milch kaufen, denn ich habe keine zu Hause.

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The coordinating conjunction 'denn' is used to provide a reason or explanation for the action or state described in the main clause. In this case, the desire to buy milk is explained by the fact that there is no milk at home. Note - 'weil' can also fill this role, but doesn't fit in this sentence grammatically as the verb would need to move to the end.
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Beginner

Which word best completes the sentence to mean 'curious'?

Ich bin sehr neugierig auf das neue Buch.

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In this context, 'neugierig' is a German adjective that translates to 'curious' in English. It is used here in its basic form to describe a state or feeling, which does not change regardless of the subject's gender, number, or case. The other options 'neugieriges', 'neugierige', and 'neugiertig' do not fit grammatically in this sentence.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "sollen" to fit the sentence

Du sollst deine Hausaufgaben machen.

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The correct form for 'sollen' in the second person singular is 'sollst'. The full sentence translates to "You should do your homework".
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Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb 'sparen' to mean 'to save for'?

Ich spare für meine Reise

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The correct preposition to use with 'sparen' to convey the meaning of 'to save for' is 'für', forming the phrase 'sparen für'. The sentence 'Ich spare für meine Reise' translates to 'I am saving for my trip.' The other prepositions are not used to express the concept of saving for something. Fun Fact: 'Sparen für' requires the accusative case, as it typically involves a direct object – the thing or goal being saved for.
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Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Sie sind gestern sehr schnell gewachsen.

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'Wachsen' indicates a change of state (to grow) which typically requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in past tenses. Hence, 'Sie sind gestern sehr schnell gewachsen' (They grew very quickly yesterday) is the correct sentence. 'Haben' could be used with 'wachsen' in certain dialects or colloquial usage, but is generally considered less standard. Mastering the appropriate usage of 'haben' and 'sein' enhances the precision of expressing states and actions in the German language.
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Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Was ist Ihr Lieblingsrestaurant, in dem Sie gegessen haben?

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For the verb 'essen' (to eat), 'haben' is the correct auxiliary verb in the past tense. So the appropriate sentence is 'Was ist Ihr Lieblingsrestaurant, in dem Sie gegessen haben?', which means 'What is your favorite restaurant in which you have eaten?'. In this case, 'essen' refers to an action involving a personal experience, thus 'haben' is used. This distinction is essential for conveying the intended action and for achieving fluency in German.
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Intermediate

Which form of the noun 'Geist' best completes the sentence?

Ich bin nicht sicher, ob das ein Geist ist.

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'Geist' in this context is a German noun that translates to 'ghost' or 'spirit' in English. The other options, like 'Geistes' (genitive singular), 'Geiste' (dative singular), or 'Geisten' (dative plural), do not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "sollen" to fit the sentence below. Important to note that we are using the third person plural or formal address here.

Sie sollen das Buch lesen.

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The correct form for 'sollen' in the third person singular or formal address is 'sollen'. The full translation of the sentence is "You should read the book" or "They should read the book". Fun fact - this sentence would also be correct with 'soll' if we were using the third person singular 'sie' to mean 'she'.
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