tüfteln
Translation
to tinker, to fiddle with, to puzzle over, to engineer meticulously
Examples
Er tüftelt an einer neuen Erfindung.
He is tinkering with a new invention.
Sie tüftelte stundenlang an dem Problem.
She puzzled over the problem for hours.
Grammar Patterns
((an+3)) to tinker with sth. The inventor is tinkering with a new machine.
Similar Words
Synonyms: basteln (to do crafts), knobeln (to puzzle), werkeln (to potter about)
Etymology
Origin uncertain, possibly related to 'Tüpfel' (dot, spot), suggesting meticulous work on small details.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'tough'. Imagine tinkering with a 'tough' little problem.