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rätseln

to puzzle over; to wonder; to be puzzled

verb RAET-seln Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Usage Note

rätseln means to be perplexed by something and attempt to figure it out. Often used with über: über etwas rätseln. More colloquial than grübeln and implies a lighter, curious puzzlement rather than anguished brooding.

Examples

"Die Wissenschaftler rätseln noch immer über die Herkunft des Signals."

Natural Translation

The scientists are still puzzling over the origin of the signal.

Literal Translation

The scientists puzzle still always over the origin of the signal.

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