to elicit
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to elicit from someone/something
To skillfully, patiently, or cunningly cause someone to reveal a secret, show a reaction, or cause an object (e.g., an instrument) to produce a sound.
Dem Zeugen konnte der Anwalt im Kreuzverhör ein Geständnis entlocken.
During cross-examination, the lawyer was able to elicit a confession from the witness.
The verb consists of the prefix 'ent-' and the verb 'locken' (to lure). Here, 'ent-' has the meaning of 'out' or 'away from something.' So you 'lure' information or a reaction out of someone or something.
Der Musiker konnte der alten Geige wunderschöne Töne entlocken.
The musician was able to elicit beautiful tones from the old violin.
This verb requires a fixed sentence structure: the person or thing from which something is elicited is in the dative. The information or reaction that one receives is in the accusative.
Die Journalistin entlockte dem Politiker (Dativ) eine überraschende Antwort (Akkusativ).
The journalist elicited a surprising answer (accusative) from the politician (dative).
'entlocken' (to elicit) is often used with abstract things that are difficult to obtain. Typical phrases are: 'jemandem ein Geheimnis entlocken' (to elicit a secret from someone), 'ein Lächeln entlocken' (to elicit a smile), or 'einem Instrument Töne entlocken' (to elicit tones from an instrument).
Selbst der lustigste Witz konnte ihm kein Lächeln entlocken.
Even the funniest joke could not elicit a smile from him.
to reveal / betray
'verraten' and 'entlocken' can both have to do with a secret or private information. The difference lies in the direction of the action. With 'verraten', someone reveals the information even though it was supposed to remain secret. With 'entlocken', another person skillfully, patiently, or cunningly gets someone to say something or show a reaction. The words can be confused because in both cases, information becomes known in the end. Memory tip: someone who 'verrät' says the secret; someone who 'entlockt' draws the secret out of someone.
Mit vielen Fragen entlockte die Journalistin dem Politiker ein kleines Geheimnis.
With many questions, the journalist elicited a small secret from the politician.
Wir verraten den Kindern noch nicht, wohin die Reise geht.
We are not telling the children yet where the trip is going.