to expose / unmask
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to expose
To reveal the true, usually negative nature or secret intentions of someone or something and make them visible to everyone.
Die investigative Journalistin konnte den Politiker als Betrüger entlarven.
The investigative journalist was able to expose the politician as a fraud.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ent-' (away, remove) and the word 'Larve' (mask). 'Entlarven' (to expose/unmask) therefore literally means to take someone's mask away. As a verb with 'ent-', it is inseparable.
Durch seine Lügen hat er sich selbst entlarvt.
Through his lies, he exposed himself.
'Entlarven' (to expose) is very often used in the structure 'jemanden/etwas als etwas entlarven' (to expose someone/something as something). The 'als' introduces what the true, revealed nature of the person or thing is.
Die Recherchen entlarvten den Plan als Betrugsversuch.
The research exposed the plan as an attempted fraud.
Negative things or people are often exposed. Typical objects are 'eine Lüge' (a lie), 'ein Betrüger' (a fraudster), 'eine Verschwörung' (a conspiracy), or 'die wahren Absichten' (the true intentions).
Der Detektiv konnte die Lüge des Zeugen entlarven.
The detective was able to expose the witness's lie.
to uncover / reveal
Aufdecken and entlarven both make something hidden visible. Aufdecken focuses more on the secret facts themselves, while entlarven additionally exposes a false identity, claim, or negative facade. Aufdecken fits secret facts; entlarven is often appropriate for deception or false behavior.
Die Reporter entlarvten den Vereinsleiter als Betrüger.
The reporters exposed the club’s director as a fraud.
Die Reporter deckten geheime Zahlungen an den Verein auf.
The reporters uncovered secret payments to the club.
