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.
'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
'entdecken' and 'aufdecken' can both mean that something hidden becomes visible or known. The difference lies in the context. 'entdecken' is used generally when you find or notice something. 'aufdecken' is used especially when something secret, false, or illegal comes to light, for example fraud or a scandal. The words can be confused because both have to do with hidden knowledge. If it is only about finding or noticing something, 'entdecken' is more natural. If something was deliberately kept secret and becomes public, 'aufdecken' fits better.
Die Journalistin deckt auf, dass die Firma falsche Zahlen veröffentlicht hat.
The journalist uncovers that the company published false figures.
In der Bibliothek hat mein Nachbar ein altes Foto in einem Buch entdeckt.
In the library, my neighbor discovered an old photo in a book.