Woordzoeker

Woordzoeker, the Dutch term for the puzzle known in English as a word search, is a grid-based word puzzle. A list of words to find is provided, and the reader must locate each word by tracing connected letters in the grid. Typically, words can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and may appear forwards or backwards. Letters not used by any word fill the remaining cells.

Word searches appear in newspapers, puzzle books, and digital formats, and are widely used in education to support vocabulary, spelling, and language learning. They can be themed around topics such as nature, geography, or language classes, and may vary in difficulty by grid size and word length. Digital versions allow automated checking and generation, enabling teachers and puzzle creators to customize grids for different languages and proficiency levels.

From a computational standpoint, woordzoekers can be generated by placing the target words into a grid in random or constrained directions, then filling the remaining cells with random letters. Generators aim to ensure all words are present, control word overlap, and often provide multiple solutions or unique layouts. The concept is used worldwide in various languages and remains a popular activity for leisure, education, and cognitive training.