In 15 Seconds
- Completing a word grid using clues in a newspaper.
- A popular German hobby for relaxation and brain training.
- Commonly used in small talk about hobbies or travel.
Meaning
This phrase describes the popular hobby of filling in a grid with words based on given clues. It is the classic activity of completing a crossword puzzle in a newspaper or magazine.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about your morning routine
Ich trinke Kaffee und löse dabei ein Kreuzworträtsel.
I drink coffee and solve a crossword puzzle while doing so.
Visiting your grandmother
Oma, wollen wir zusammen das Kreuzworträtsel lösen?
Grandma, do you want to solve the crossword puzzle together?
On a long train journey
Auf langen Zugfahrten löse ich am liebsten Kreuzworträtsel.
On long train rides, I like solving crossword puzzles best.
Cultural Background
The 'Schwedenrätsel' (Swedish puzzle) is the most popular type in Germany. The clues are placed inside the grid squares with arrows pointing to where the answer should go. Crosswords in Switzerland often include clues about local geography or Swiss-German terms, making them a way to reinforce national identity. Austrian crosswords might use specific Austrian German words (e.g., 'Paradeiser' instead of 'Tomate'), which can be a challenge for Germans. The puzzle 'Um die Ecke gedacht' in the weekly newspaper 'Die Zeit' is a cultural icon. It is famous for its cryptic and pun-filled clues.
Use a Pencil
In Germany, it's common to solve crosswords with a 'Bleistift' (pencil) so you can erase mistakes, unless you are very confident!
Ask for Help
Solving a crossword is a great social lubricant. If you're stuck, ask: 'Kennst du ein Wort für...?'
In 15 Seconds
- Completing a word grid using clues in a newspaper.
- A popular German hobby for relaxation and brain training.
- Commonly used in small talk about hobbies or travel.
What It Means
Kreuzworträtsel lösen is a very common German hobby. It involves finding words that fit into a grid. You look at clues and write the answers. It is often seen as a way to keep the brain sharp. Germans call this 'Gehirnjogging' or brain jogging. It is a quiet, intellectual activity. You usually do it alone with a pen and a newspaper.
How To Use It
You use the verb lösen at the end of the sentence. For example, you can say Ich löse ein Rätsel. If you are talking about a habit, use gerne. Ich löse gerne Kreuzworträtsel means you enjoy doing them. You can also use it as a noun phrase. Das Lösen von Kreuzworträtseln macht Spaß means solving them is fun. Just remember to conjugate lösen for the person speaking.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when talking about your free time. It is a great topic for small talk. You will see people doing this on the train. You might see it at a doctor's waiting room. It is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. You can use it when visiting older relatives too. It is a very safe and neutral topic. No one will be offended by crossword puzzles!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for jigsaw puzzles. For those, you use the verb machen. So, you machen a Puzzle, but you lösen a Rätsel. Also, do not use it for math problems. While you do lösen math, you don't call it a Kreuzworträtsel. Avoid using it if you are solving a mystery. That would be einen Fall lösen like a detective. Keep this phrase strictly for the word games in papers.
Cultural Background
Germans love their printed newspapers and magazines. Almost every local paper has a puzzle page. There is a very famous, difficult puzzle in the 'Zeit Magazin'. It is called 'Um die Ecke gedacht'. This means 'thought around the corner'. It is a status symbol to solve it. Puzzles are a big part of German 'Feierabend' culture. This is the time after work when you relax. It shows you value education and general knowledge.
Common Variations
You might hear people say rätseln. This is a shorter verb for the same thing. Another specific type is the Schwedenrätsel. In this version, the clues are inside the boxes. Most German puzzles are actually this Swedish style. You might also hear Knobeln. This is more about general brain teasers or logic games. If you are stuck, you might ask for a Tipp or a hint.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in any social setting. Be careful to use the verb `lösen` for riddles/logic and `machen` for physical jigsaw puzzles.
Use a Pencil
In Germany, it's common to solve crosswords with a 'Bleistift' (pencil) so you can erase mistakes, unless you are very confident!
Ask for Help
Solving a crossword is a great social lubricant. If you're stuck, ask: 'Kennst du ein Wort für...?'
Don't say 'machen'
While people will understand 'Kreuzworträtsel machen', using 'lösen' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Examples
6Ich trinke Kaffee und löse dabei ein Kreuzworträtsel.
I drink coffee and solve a crossword puzzle while doing so.
A very common way to describe a relaxing morning.
Oma, wollen wir zusammen das Kreuzworträtsel lösen?
Grandma, do you want to solve the crossword puzzle together?
A sweet, bonding activity often shared between generations.
Auf langen Zugfahrten löse ich am liebsten Kreuzworträtsel.
On long train rides, I like solving crossword puzzles best.
Shows how you pass the time during travel.
Kannst du mir helfen, dieses schwere Kreuzworträtsel zu lösen?
Can you help me solve this difficult crossword puzzle?
Using the infinitive construction with 'zu'.
Er ist ein Genie, er löst Kreuzworträtsel mit einem Kugelschreiber!
He is a genius; he solves crossword puzzles with a ballpoint pen!
Using a pen instead of a pencil implies you never make mistakes.
In meiner Freizeit löse ich gerne Kreuzworträtsel zur Entspannung.
In my free time, I enjoy solving crossword puzzles for relaxation.
A polite and neutral way to describe a hobby.
Test Yourself
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'lösen'.
Jeden Morgen ______ mein Vater ein Kreuzworträtsel.
The subject 'mein Vater' is 3rd person singular, so the verb must be 'löst'.
Welcher Artikel ist richtig?
Ich liebe es, ___ Kreuzworträtsel zu lösen.
'Kreuzworträtsel' is a neuter noun, so the article is 'das'.
Verbinde die Satzteile.
Satzanfänge und Enden
These pairings create logically and grammatically correct German sentences.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Was machst du da? B: Ich ______ ein Kreuzworträtsel. Hilfst du mir?
'löse' is the standard collocation for crossword puzzles.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeden Morgen ______ mein Vater ein Kreuzworträtsel.
The subject 'mein Vater' is 3rd person singular, so the verb must be 'löst'.
Ich liebe es, ___ Kreuzworträtsel zu lösen.
'Kreuzworträtsel' is a neuter noun, so the article is 'das'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These pairings create logically and grammatically correct German sentences.
A: Was machst du da? B: Ich ______ ein Kreuzworträtsel. Hilfst du mir?
'löse' is the standard collocation for crossword puzzles.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be both! 'Das Kreuzworträtsel' is one, 'die Kreuzworträtsel' are many. The word itself doesn't change.
Yes, you can, but 'machen' is also very common for Sudoku. For crosswords, 'lösen' is much more standard.
It's the most common type of crossword in Germany where clues are inside the grid.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Related Phrases
ein {das|n} Rätsel raten
similarTo guess a riddle
Sudoku machen
similarTo do a Sudoku
eine {die|f} Lösung finden
builds onTo find a solution
um die Ecke denken
specialized formTo think outside the box
