löst

Löst is the present tense, third-person singular form of the German verb lösen. The core meanings are to solve or resolve a problem or question, and to loosen or release something from a binding or constraint. In mathematics, logic, and everyday problems, lösen is used with direct objects such as a Rätsel (puzzle), eine Aufgabe (task), or eine Gleichung (equation): Er löst das Rätsel; Sie lösen die Gleichung. In mechanical and everyday contexts, it can mean to loosen or loosen up something, as in Die Schraube löst sich. Intransitive use with sich means come loose or detach: Der Knoten löst sich.

The verb is highly polysemous and productive with prefixes. With auf- as lösen, the meaning shifts toward dissolution or formal resolution: Ich löse die Gleichung auf. Here the prefix auf is separated in the clause: Er löst die Gleichung auf. With aus- as auslösen the meaning changes to trigger or cause an effect: Die Aktion löst eine Reaktion aus. These prefixed forms are distinct from auflösen, which means to dissolve or to liquidate in the sense of dissolving a substance or resolving something completely.

Morphology and forms: Infinitive lösen; present tense third-person singular löst; Präteritum löste; Partizip Perfekt gelöst. The past participle gelöst is used with haben to form perfect tenses (Ich habe das Problem gelöst). The verb has a wide range of collocations in education, science, technology, and daily language.

Etymologically, lösen comes from older Germanic roots and is cognate with Dutch losen, reflecting the sense of releasing, freeing, or uncoupling. It remains a common and versatile verb in modern German.