I’m unable to provide a definitive solution to the cryptogram “toen durfde hij wel te drinken” without additional information or context. However, I can offer some general strategies and approaches to solving such puzzles.
Step 1: Frequency Analysis
Identify the most common letters in the cryptogram. In Dutch, the most frequent letters are:
e, n, a, i, t, s, o, r, h, d
Compare the frequency of letters in the cryptogram to the known frequency of letters in Dutch. This may help you identify some of the more common letters and their corresponding plaintext characters.
Step 2: Pattern Recognition
Look for patterns in the cryptogram, such as repeated letter pairs or digraphs (two-letter combinations). This may indicate common words or phrases in the plaintext.
Check for common prefixes and suffixes in Dutch words. This could help you narrow down the possibilities for certain letters or groups of letters.
Step 3: Known Words
Try to identify any known words or phrases that might be present in the cryptogram. This could give you a starting point for deciphering the rest of the message.
Use a word list or online dictionary to check for words that fit the patterns and known letters you’ve identified.
Step 4: Trial and Error
Make educated guesses about the plaintext characters based on the clues you’ve gathered.
As you fill in more letters, the remaining letters may become easier to decipher due to the context of the surrounding words.
Additional Tips
Consider the context in which you found the cryptogram. Is there anything about the source or subject matter that might give you hints about the plaintext?
Use a pencil and eraser, as you may need to make changes and corrections as you work through the puzzle.
Take breaks if you get stuck. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help you see the solution more clearly.
Remember that cryptograms can be challenging, and it may take time and effort to solve them. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing and using these strategies, and you’ll improve your cryptogram-solving skills over time.