lösen
Translation
to solve, to dissolve, to purchase (a ticket), to loosen
Examples
Er kann das Rätsel lösen.
He can solve the riddle.
Wasser löst Salz.
Water dissolves salt.
Ich muss eine Fahrkarte lösen.
I have to buy a ticket.
Löse bitte den Knoten.
Please untie the knot.
Grammar Patterns
et4 lösen to solve sth. He can solve the problem.
et4 lösen to purchase sth. (a ticket) I have to purchase a ticket.
Similar Words
Synonyms: klären (to clarify), entwirren (to untangle), kaufen (to buy); Antonyms: binden (to tie), festziehen (to tighten)
Etymology
From Old High German 'lōsen', cognate with English 'loose' and 'lose'. The central concept is making something free or unattached.
Memory Tips
Connect 'lösen' to the English word 'loose'. You 'loosen' a knot to untie it, you find a 'loose' end to solve a problem, and you 'loosen' sugar in water to dissolve it.