noun
riddle, puzzle
A2
Rätsel (das) means “riddle” or “puzzle”: a question or enigma to solve. Plural stays Rätsel (unchanged). Singular genitive is des Rätsels. Commonly used for brainteasers and mysterious problems; no verb-specific prepositions or reflexivity. It's a neuter noun used commonly in puzzles, media, and schools.
Examples
Das Rätsel war schwer zu lösen.
The riddle was hard to solve.
Die Kinder lösten das Rätsel, obwohl es sehr schwierig war, und sie freuten sich über die Lösung.
The children solved the puzzle, although it was very difficult, and they were pleased with the solution.
Ich löse gerne Rätsel.
I like to solve riddles.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a question mark wearing a detective hat labeled 'das Rätsel'.
Rätsel sounds a bit like 'rattle' — imagine a riddle that rattles your brain.
das Rätsel — neuter: imagine a neutral colored puzzle box with 'das' on it.