secret
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secret
Something that is not generally known or not meant to be known and is deliberately shared only with a small group of people.
Die genaue Rezeptur des Getränks ist streng geheim.
The exact recipe for the drink is top secret.
The adjective 'geheim' (secret) is closely related to the noun 'das Geheimnis' (secret). If something is 'geheim' (secret), then it is a 'Geheimnis' (secret).
Niemand kennt das Geheimnis, also muss die Information geheim bleiben.
Nobody knows the secret, so the information must remain secret.
'Geheim' (secret/secretly) can also be used as an adverb and then means 'im Geheimen' (in secret) or 'heimlich' (secretly). In this function, it is not declined.
Die beiden Agenten trafen sich geheim in einem alten Lagerhaus.
The two agents met secretly in an old warehouse.
When it comes to information, 'geheim' (secret) is often combined with the verbs 'halten' (to keep) or 'bleiben' (to remain). The phrase 'etwas geheim halten' means to keep a secret and not reveal it.
Der Agent musste die Identität des Zeugen streng geheim halten.
The agent had to keep the witness's identity strictly secret.
In the meaning 'verborgen' (hidden), 'geheim' (secret/hidden) is often used to describe hidden places or objects. Typical examples are 'ein geheimer Gang' (a secret passage), 'eine geheime Tür' (a secret door), or 'ein geheimes Fach' (a secret compartment).
Im alten Schloss entdeckten sie eine geheime Kammer hinter dem Kamin.
In the old castle, they discovered a secret chamber behind the fireplace.
known
'bekannt' and 'geheim' are often opposites when it comes to information. Something is 'bekannt' when many people know it or when a person already knows it. Something is 'geheim' when not everyone is supposed to know it and only a few people find out about it. So 'bekannt' fits open or familiar information, while 'geheim' fits deliberately hidden information.
Der Ort der Feier bleibt bis Samstag geheim.
The location of the party remains secret until Saturday.
Die neue Regel ist seit Montag allen Mitarbeitern bekannt.
The new rule has been known to all employees since Monday.