to puzzle over
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to puzzle over
To think intensely about something in order to find a solution or explanation for a problem, a mystery, or an unclear situation.
Die Polizei rätselt noch immer über das Motiv des Täters.
The police are still puzzling over the perpetrator's motive.
The verb 'rätseln' (to puzzle over) is derived directly from the noun 'das Rätsel' (the riddle/puzzle). So when you 'rätseln', you are trying to solve a puzzle or find an answer to a difficult question.
Die Wissenschaftler rätseln, wie die alten Pyramiden gebaut wurden.
The scientists are puzzling over how the ancient pyramids were built.
When you name the topic that is being thought about, you use the preposition 'über' with the accusative. You can also combine it with a subordinate clause and 'darüber'.
Die Ermittler rätseln über die Identität des Opfers.
The investigators are puzzling over the identity of the victim.
'Rätseln' (to puzzle over) is often used when experts or a group of people are looking for an explanation together. Typical subjects are therefore 'die Polizei' (the police), 'die Experten' (the experts), or 'die Wissenschaftler' (the scientists).
Die Experten rätseln noch immer über die Ursache des Phänomens.
The experts are still puzzling over the cause of the phenomenon.
to consider
'überlegen' and 'rätseln' both mean that someone is thinking. The difference lies in the goal and the situation. 'überlegen' is used generally when you want to make a decision or consider a possibility. 'rätseln' is used when something is unclear, mysterious, or hard to explain. In that case, you are looking for a solution or explanation. Learners may confuse the words because both describe thinking. Memory tip: for a decision, you use 'überlegen'; for a mystery or problem, you use 'rätseln'.
Der Chef hat lange gerätselt, warum der Zug am Bahnhof nicht weiterfährt.
The boss puzzled for a long time over why the train was not continuing from the station.
Nach der Nachricht überlegen die Eltern, ob sie mit der Lehrerin sprechen sollen.
After the message, the parents are considering whether they should speak with the teacher.