01
enthüllen
to reveal
To make a secret, a truth, or previously unknown information known.
example
Der Journalist enthüllte einen politischen Skandal.
The journalist revealed a political scandal.
enthüllen
to reveal / unveil
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Enthüllen' (to reveal/unveil) is an inseparable verb. It consists of the prefix 'ent-' (away, un-) and the word stem 'hüllen' (to cover). So the literal meaning is 'to remove a covering' or 'to uncover something'.
EXAMPLE
Die Archäologen enthüllten eine alte Grabkammer.
The archaeologists uncovered an old burial chamber.
Sentence structure with accusative
The verb 'enthüllen' (to reveal/unveil) always requires an accusative object. This object is the thing that is uncovered or made known.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeugin enthüllte die Wahrheit vor Gericht.
The witness revealed the truth in court.
Context clue
The object of the verb indicates the meaning. Abstract objects like 'Geheimnis' (secret), 'Skandal' (scandal), or 'Wahrheit' (truth) mean that information is being disclosed. Concrete objects like 'Denkmal' (monument) or 'Statue' (statue) mean that something is being made physically visible.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung enthüllte die geheimen Pläne der Regierung.
The newspaper revealed the government's secret plans.
Typical collocations
When it comes to information, 'enthüllen' (to reveal) is often combined with nouns such as 'ein Geheimnis' (a secret), 'einen Plan' (a plan), 'eine Affäre' (an affair), or 'die wahren Absichten' (the true intentions).
EXAMPLE
In seinem Buch enthüllt er viele private Details.
In his book, he reveals many private details.
Compare with
enthüllen vs vorstellen
to imagine / introduce
'vorstellen' and 'enthüllen' can both mean that something is shown or made known to the public. 'vorstellen' sounds neutral and fits when you introduce and explain a new product, an idea, or a person. 'enthüllen' is stronger. It fits when something was previously hidden, for example a secret or a truth, or, in a ceremonial scene, a monument under a covering. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with making something known. If it is only about a normal presentation, 'vorstellen' is more natural. If something was secret, covered, or surprising, 'enthüllen' fits better.
enthüllen
Die Zeitung hat gestern neue Details zu dem Skandal enthüllt.
Yesterday the newspaper revealed new details about the scandal.
vorstellen
Im Teammeeting stellt Frau Becker die neue Idee für das Projekt vor.
In the team meeting, Ms. Becker presents the new idea for the project.
In real life
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