Bilderrätsel

Meaning (in English)

Bilderrätsel means “picture puzzle” or “visual riddle.” It refers to a puzzle where the solution is derived from images—for example:

• a riddle presented as a drawing or photo,
• a rebus-style puzzle using pictures to represent sounds/words,
• “find the hidden object/difference” type puzzles.

Word parts (composition)

• Bilder = plural of Bild (“picture,” “image”)
• Rätsel = “riddle,” “puzzle”

So literally: “pictures + puzzle/riddle.”

German synonyms

Depending on the type of puzzle, common synonyms include:

• Bildrätsel (very close; often interchangeable)
• visuelles Rätsel
• Bilderpuzzle (more like a jigsaw/visual puzzle; usage varies)
• Rebus / Rebusrätsel (when pictures stand for syllables/words)

German antonyms

There isn’t a strict, single antonym, but contrasts could be:

• Worträtsel (word puzzle, not image-based)
• Text-Rätsel / schriftliches Rätsel (text-based riddle)