to decrypt / decipher
Loading your saved state.
to decrypt
To transform encrypted, coded, or secret information back into its original, readable form. This is done with the help of a key or a specific method.
Dem Geheimdienst gelang es, die verschlüsselte Nachricht des Feindes zu entschlüsseln.
The intelligence service succeeded in decrypting the enemy's encrypted message.
The verb is derived from 'der Schlüssel' (the key). The prefix 'ent-' here means something like 'remove' or 'reverse'. So 'entschlüsseln' (to decrypt/decipher) literally means to undo encryption.
Ohne das Passwort kann man die Datei nicht entschlüsseln.
Without the password, you cannot decrypt the file.
'Entschlüsseln' (to decrypt/decipher) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ent-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
Die Expertin entschlüsselte die geheime Botschaft.
The expert decrypted the secret message.
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If it involves technical things like 'Code' (code), 'Nachricht' (message), or 'Datei' (file), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract things like 'Rätsel' (riddle), 'Geheimnis' (secret), or 'Verhalten' (behavior), the figurative meaning is intended.
Man braucht spezielle Software, um die Festplatte zu entschlüsseln.
You need special software to decrypt the hard drive.
In the technical meaning, 'entschlüsseln' (to decrypt) is often combined with digital or secret information: eine E-Mail entschlüsseln (to decrypt an email), Daten entschlüsseln (to decrypt data), eine Kommunikation entschlüsseln (to decrypt a communication).
Der Agent musste den Funkspruch schnell entschlüsseln.
The agent had to decrypt the radio message quickly.
In the figurative meaning, the verb is often used for complex or mysterious things: ein Rätsel entschlüsseln (to decipher a riddle), ein Geheimnis entschlüsseln (to decipher a secret), das menschliche Genom entschlüsseln (to decipher the human genome).
Der Detektiv konnte das komplexe Rätsel nach langer Arbeit entschlüsseln.
After a long effort, the detective was able to decipher the complex riddle.
to understand
'verstehen' and 'entschlüsseln' both have to do with something becoming clear. 'verstehen' is general: you understand a message, an explanation, or a problem. 'entschlüsseln' is used when something was previously hidden, coded, puzzling, or difficult to read. This can be genuinely encrypted information, but also a difficult text or a complicated sign. 'entschlüsseln' emphasizes the path to understanding: you have to analyze, search, or use a method. If something is simply clear, you are more likely to say 'verstehen'.
Die Schüler entschlüsseln im Unterricht eine geheime Botschaft.
The students decipher a secret message in class.
Meine Schwester versteht sofort, was in der Nachricht gemeint ist.
My sister immediately understands what is meant in the message.