If you’re a fan of cryptic crosswords, you may be familiar with the Dutch phrase “Zegt De Duitser 15 Verticaal.” This cryptic clue is a common one in Dutch cryptic crosswords and often stumps even the most seasoned puzzlers.
The clue translates to “says the German 15 vertical” in English. At first glance, it may seem straightforward, but cryptic crosswords are anything but. The key to solving this clue lies in understanding the wordplay involved.
In cryptic crosswords, clues are typically divided into two parts: a definition and a cryptic or wordplay element. In this case, “Zegt De Duitser” is the definition, while “15 Verticaal” is the wordplay element.
The phrase “Zegt De Duitser” is a red herring meant to throw off the solver. It may seem like it’s giving a hint about a German word or phrase, but in reality, it’s just a distraction. The real clue lies in “15 Verticaal.”
In Dutch cryptic crosswords, the number in a clue often refers to the position of a letter in a word. In this case, “15 Verticaal” indicates that the 15th letter in the solution word is crucial to solving the clue.
So, the key to solving “Zegt De Duitser 15 Verticaal” is to look at the 15th letter in the word that fits the vertical column in the crossword. This letter will likely be the initial letter of the solution word, which will then need to be deduced based on the other intersecting clues in the puzzle.
Cryptic crosswords can be a challenging and rewarding puzzle-solving experience, and clues like “Zegt De Duitser 15 Verticaal” add an extra layer of complexity to the game. So, next time you encounter this cryptic clue in a Dutch crossword, remember to focus on the wordplay element and look for the hidden solution within the puzzle.