to decipher
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to decipher
To successfully read and understand something that is difficult to read, such as bad handwriting, an old inscription, or a code.
Es dauerte Stunden, die geheime Botschaft des Spions zu entziffern.
It took hours to decipher the spy's secret message.
The verb is derived from the noun 'die Ziffer' (the digit). The prefix 'ent-' here means something like 'to extract something from something.' So you extract the meaning from the signs or digits.
Der Archäologe konnte die alten Hieroglyphen entziffern.
The archaeologist was able to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs.
'Entziffern' (to decipher) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ent-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Sie hat seine unleserliche Nachricht sofort entziffert.
She deciphered his illegible message immediately.
In its literal meaning, 'entziffern' (to decipher) is often combined with things that are hard to read. Typical objects are: handwriting, an inscription, a code, or a secret script.
Ich konnte die Handschrift auf der alten Postkarte kaum entziffern.
I could barely decipher the handwriting on the old postcard.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the object. If it is something abstract like 'ein Rätsel' (a riddle), 'ein Muster' (a pattern), or 'ein Verhalten' (a behavior), the figurative meaning of understanding is meant.
Der Detektiv versuchte, das seltsame Muster in den Verbrechen zu entziffern.
The detective tried to decipher the strange pattern in the crimes.
to read
'lesen' and 'entziffern' both have to do with understanding writing. 'lesen' is normal when a text is easy to recognize. 'entziffern' is used when the writing is difficult to read, for example with bad handwriting, old characters, or a code. It sounds as if you have to make an effort. In practical terms: you read a clear letter, but you decipher a barely legible note.
Die Mitarbeiterin konnte die alte Adresse auf dem Zettel nur schwer entziffern.
The employee could only decipher the old address on the note with difficulty.
Nach dem Essen hat sie die E-Mail ihrer Freundin gelesen.
After the meal, she read her friend's email.