Puzzle
/ˈpʊzəl/neuter
The English word "puzzle" can be translated into German as Puzzle. Wiktionary also lists Geduldspiel and Geduldsspiel.
Meaning: game or toy, or problem, requiring some effort to complete or work out, which is intended as a pastime and/or to test one’s mental ability (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle | /ˈpʊzəl/ (German, Swiss, standard) /ˈpazəl/ |
neuter |
| Geduldspiel | neuter | |
| Geduldsspiel | neuter |
A puzzle in German refers to a game, toy or problem that requires effort to complete or solve, intended for pastime or to test mental ability. While it can refer to any mental problem, it is commonly used to mean a jigsaw puzzle.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geduldsspiel is a compound of Geduld (patience) and Spiel (game), literally meaning a "game of patience".
Which one should you use?
While Puzzle can refer to any mental problem, in common usage it specifically refers to a jigsaw puzzle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Puzzle is neuter, meaning it takes the article das or ein. The plural of Puzzle is Puzzles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpʊzəl/
Did you know?
- A Geduldsspiel can also refer to a tedious task or a frustrating situation in life that requires extreme patience.
- The -s- in Geduldsspiel is a 'fugue S', a linking element used in German compounds to make the word easier to pronounce.
- If a German person describes a situation as a Rätsel, they are referring to a mystery or a riddle rather than a physical toy or jigsaw.
Examples in context
- Tom legt ein Puzzle zusammen.Tom is assembling a jigsaw puzzle.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the verb to assemble a Puzzle.Tatoeba #8662530 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7342536 by Hybrid
- Dieses Puzzle ist mir zu schwer.This puzzle is too hard for me.This sentence shows how to describe a Puzzle that is too difficult.Tatoeba #11488078 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9849362 by Hybrid
- Ich habe ein neues Puzzle gekauft.I bought a new jigsaw puzzle.This sentence demonstrates the use of the word when talking about a newly purchased Puzzle.Tatoeba #6972200 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6616506 by Eccles17
- Ich liebe es, Rätsel zu lösen.I love solving puzzles.
- Komm, lass uns eine Knobelei lösen!Come on, let's solve a puzzle!
- Ich habe gestern ein spannendes Knobelspiel gekauft.I bought an exciting puzzle game yesterday.
- Ich habe ein kniffliges Rätsel für dich!I have a tricky puzzle for you!
- Die Kinder spielen ausgelassen mit dem Puzzle.The children are playing enthusiastically with the puzzle.
- Kannst du mir bei diesem Knobelspiel helfen?Can you help me with this puzzle game?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at a table in the living room.
- JulianHilfst du mir bei diesem Puzzle?Will you help me with this puzzle?
- HannahJa, gerne. Wo fehlen die Teile?Yes, gladly. Where are the pieces missing?
- JulianIch finde den Rand vom Puzzle nicht.I can't find the edge of the puzzle.
- HannahSchau mal, hier liegen sie!Look, here they are!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puzzle” translations and entries Puzzle, Geduldsspiel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geduldsspiel, Puzzle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
