anonym
anonymous
Without naming or knowing the name of the author or the person concerned. The identity remains unknown.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor des Briefes wollte anonym bleiben.
The author of the letter wanted to remain anonymous.
anonym
anonymous
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Meanings
anonym
anonymous / impersonal
Impersonal and without individual, characteristic features. Often refers to places or social situations.
EXAMPLE
Sie fühlte sich in der anonymen Hochhaussiedlung sehr einsam.
She felt very lonely in the anonymous high-rise housing estate.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from Greek: 'a-' means 'without' and 'ónoma' means 'name'. So 'anonym' (anonymous) literally means 'without a name'.
EXAMPLE
Eine anonyme Person hat der Polizei einen wichtigen Hinweis gegeben.
An anonymous person gave the police an important tip.
Fixed expression
A very common and important construction with this word is 'anonym bleiben' (to remain anonymous). It expresses the wish not to reveal one's identity.
EXAMPLE
Der Gewinner des Wettbewerbs möchte anonym bleiben.
The winner of the competition would like to remain anonymous.
Typical collocations
When it is about unknown people, 'anonym' (anonymous) is often combined with words such as 'ein anonymer Anruf' (an anonymous call), 'eine anonyme Spende' (an anonymous donation), or 'eine anonyme Umfrage' (an anonymous survey).
EXAMPLE
Das Krankenhaus erhielt eine große anonyme Spende.
The hospital received a large anonymous donation.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning because 'anonym' (anonymous) does not refer to a person, but to a place or situation. It then describes an impersonal, characterless atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen fühlen sich im anonymen Internet sicherer, ihre Meinung zu sagen.
Many people feel safer expressing their opinion on the anonymous internet.
Compare with
anonym vs unbekannt
unknown
Unbekannt describes not knowing a person’s identity. Anonym emphasizes that the person’s name is not given or remains hidden. If an identity cannot be determined, use unbekannt; if the name is deliberately omitted, use anonym.
anonym
Der Verfasser des Briefes bleibt für die Leser anonym, weil die Redaktion seinen Namen nicht veröffentlicht.
The author of the letter remains anonymous to the readers because the editorial team is not publishing their name.
unbekannt
Der Verfasser des Briefes ist der Redaktion unbekannt, weil sich seine Identität nicht feststellen ließ.
The author of the letter is unknown to the editorial team because it was impossible to determine their identity.
In real life
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