to uncover / reveal
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to uncover
To bring something secret, hidden, or illegal to light and make it public. Often used in connection with scandals, crimes, or intrigues.
Der Journalist hat einen großen Finanzskandal aufgedeckt.
The journalist uncovered a major financial scandal.
to uncover
To remove a blanket, cover, or covering from something. This can refer to a bed or to a table after a meal.
Morgens decke ich als Erstes mein Bett auf, um es zu lüften.
In the morning, the first thing I do is uncover my bed to air it out.
to turn over
In a card game, to turn a card over so that the front side becomes visible.
Nachdem alle gesetzt hatten, deckte der Dealer die nächste Karte auf.
After everyone had bet, the dealer turned over the next card.
'Aufdecken' (to uncover) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes to the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
Der Reporter deckt die Wahrheit auf.
The reporter uncovers the truth.
The verb combines 'auf' (open/up) and 'decken' (to cover). Literally, it means to remove a cover. Figuratively, it describes the 'airing' of a secret, as if pulling away a blanket of silence.
Er deckte die schlafenden Kinder auf, weil es zu warm war.
He uncovered the sleeping children because it was too warm.
You can almost always tell which meaning is intended from the object. If it is something abstract like 'einen Skandal' (a scandal), the figurative meaning is meant. With concrete things like 'ein Bett' (a bed) or 'eine Karte' (a card), the literal meaning is meant.
Die Polizei deckte ein ganzes Netzwerk auf.
The police uncovered an entire network.
In the meaning 'to reveal something secret', 'aufdecken' (to uncover) is often combined with important or negative nouns. Typical examples are: 'einen Skandal aufdecken' (to uncover a scandal), 'ein Verbrechen aufdecken' (to uncover a crime), 'Widersprüche aufdecken' (to uncover contradictions), or 'Schwächen aufdecken' (to uncover weaknesses).
Die Untersuchung hat gravierende Sicherheitsmängel aufgedeckt.
The investigation uncovered serious security flaws.
When you say 'den Tisch aufdecken', it means that you clear away the dishes and cutlery after the meal. It is the opposite of 'den Tisch decken' (to set the table).
Nach dem Abendessen haben die Kinder geholfen, den Tisch aufzudecken.
After dinner, the children helped clear the table.
to discover
Both words can refer to a fraud that was initially hidden. Entdecken means first noticing or finding it, while aufdecken places more emphasis on exposing and bringing the secret circumstances to light. Use “entdecken” for establishing that it exists, and “aufdecken” for making the connections public.
Die Prüfer deckten bei der Untersuchung einen verborgenen Betrug auf.
During the investigation, the auditors uncovered a hidden fraud.
Die Prüfer entdeckten bei der Kontrolle einen verborgenen Betrug.
During the inspection, the auditors discovered a hidden fraud.
