cover
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cover
A pretext or disguise used to hide true intentions, goals, or activities. Often used in the phrase 'unter dem Deckmantel' (under the cover).
Unter dem Deckmantel der Freundschaft versuchte er, an vertrauliche Informationen zu gelangen.
Under the cover of friendship, he tried to obtain confidential information.
The word is made up of 'Decke' (blanket/cover) and 'Mantel' (coat/cloak). Figuratively, it is therefore a cloak that covers or hides something. This image helps you understand the figurative meaning of hiding intentions.
Die Spendenaktion war nur ein Deckmantel für seine illegalen Geschäfte.
The fundraising campaign was only a cover for his illegal business dealings.
'Deckmantel' (cover) is almost always used in the fixed expression 'unter dem Deckmantel von etwas' (under the cover of something). After the preposition 'von', the dative is used.
Unter dem Deckmantel der Kunstfreiheit wurden provokante Thesen verbreitet.
Under the cover of artistic freedom, provocative claims were spread.
The pretext that serves as a 'Deckmantel' (cover) is often an abstract, positive-sounding word. Typical examples are 'unter dem Deckmantel der Freundschaft' (under the cover of friendship), 'der Anonymität' (of anonymity), 'der Wissenschaft' (of science), or 'der Hilfe' (of help).
Er nutzte den Deckmantel der Anonymität, um online Hass zu verbreiten.
He used the cover of anonymity to spread hate online.
mask
'Maske' and 'Deckmantel' can both mean that something true is being hidden. With 'Maske', it is usually about a behavior or expression with which a person does not show their real feelings or intentions. 'Deckmantel' is used more for a pretext or cover behind which an action or goal is hidden. A typical phrase is 'unter dem Deckmantel von ...' (under the cover of ...). Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with hiding. As a guide: a 'Maske' is more something a person wears in their behavior, while a 'Deckmantel' is more a pretext for an action.
Unter dem Deckmantel der Hilfe wollte er nur an wichtige Informationen kommen.
Under the cover of helping, he only wanted to get access to important information.
Hinter seiner freundlichen Maske merkte niemand, wie nervös er war.
Behind his friendly mask, no one noticed how nervous he was.