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
enthüllen
to unveil
To remove a covering from something in a ceremony in order to show it to the public for the first time, for example a monument or a plaque.
EXAMPLE
Der Bürgermeister wird morgen das neue Denkmal enthüllen.
The mayor will unveil the new monument tomorrow.
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 verraten
to reveal / betray
Verraten and enthüllen can both mean making a secret or previously unknown information known. Verraten, however, more strongly suggests unauthorized disclosure, a breach of trust, or an unintended signal. Enthüllen describes the act of making something known more neutrally and does not necessarily imply a breach of trust.
enthüllen
Die Zeitung enthüllte den geheimen Plan, nachdem ihre Redaktion die Informationen geprüft hatte.
The newspaper revealed the secret plan after its editorial team had checked the information.
verraten
Der Mitarbeiter verriet den geheimen Plan, obwohl er ihn für sich behalten sollte.
The employee revealed the secret plan even though he was supposed to keep it to himself.
In real life
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