verb
to solve, to loosen, to resolve
B1
'lösen' means to solve, loosen or resolve. It's a regular (weak) verb with participle gelöst and uses haben in perfect (ich habe gelöst). Not separable and listed as non‑reflexive. Commonly transitive (etwas lösen): solve a problem, loosen a knot, or resolve a situation.
Examples
Weil der Techniker das Problem schnell löste, konnte die Maschine wieder arbeiten, obwohl Ersatzteile fehlten.
Because the technician solved the problem quickly, the machine could work again although spare parts were missing.
Ich löse das Problem.
I'm solving the problem.
Komm, versuch die Schraube zu lösen.
Come on, try to loosen the screw.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine untying a knot: as you pull, the knot 'loosens' and the problem is solved.
Sounds like 'low-zen' — think of calming down a problem into a 'solution'.
Notes
Used for both practical actions (loosen, untie) and abstract problems (solve, resolve). Past participle: 'gelöst'.