to unmask
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to unmask
To reveal the true identity, intentions, or true character of someone or something that has disguised itself or pretended to be something else.
Durch die Recherche konnte der Journalist den Politiker als Betrüger enttarnen.
Through his research, the journalist was able to unmask the politician as a fraud.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ent-' and the verb 'tarnen' (to disguise, to hide, to make invisible). 'Enttarnen' (to unmask) therefore literally means to remove the disguise from someone or something.
Der Detektiv konnte die geheime Identität des Spions enttarnen.
The detective was able to unmask the spy's secret identity.
The prefix 'ent-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Die Ermittler enttarnten das kriminelle Netzwerk nach monatelanger Arbeit.
The investigators unmasked the criminal network after months of work.
'Enttarnen' (to unmask) is very often used with the preposition 'als' (as) to describe what the person or thing really is. The structure is: jemanden oder etwas als etwas enttarnen (to unmask someone or something as something).
Sie hat ihren angeblich besten Freund als Verräter enttarnt.
She unmasked her supposedly best friend as a traitor.
to uncover / reveal
Aufdecken and enttarnen can both bring secrets to light. Aufdecken refers more generally to a hidden situation, while enttarnen emphasizes a disguised or deceptive person and revealing their true identity or intentions. Use aufdecken for a secret operation or process; for a disguise, enttarnen is more appropriate.
Die Untersuchung enttarnte einen Mitarbeiter als heimlichen Informanten.
The investigation unmasked an employee as a covert informant.
Die Untersuchung deckte geheime Pläne der Gruppe auf.
The investigation uncovered the group’s secret plans.
