geheim
secret
Something that is not generally known or not meant to be known and is deliberately shared only with a small group of people.
EXAMPLE
Die genaue Rezeptur des Getränks ist streng geheim.
The exact recipe for the drink is top secret.
geheim
secret
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Meanings
geheim
secret / hidden
Concealed, hidden, or not immediately apparent.
EXAMPLE
Hinter der Bücherwand befand sich ein geheimer Gang.
Behind the wall of books there was a secret passage.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'geheim' (secret) is closely related to the noun 'das Geheimnis' (secret). If something is 'geheim' (secret), then it is a 'Geheimnis' (secret).
EXAMPLE
Niemand kennt das Geheimnis, also muss die Information geheim bleiben.
Nobody knows the secret, so the information must remain secret.
Use as an adverb
'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.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Agenten trafen sich geheim in einem alten Lagerhaus.
The two agents met secretly in an old warehouse.
Typical verbs
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.
EXAMPLE
Der Agent musste die Identität des Zeugen streng geheim halten.
The agent had to keep the witness's identity strictly secret.
Typical nouns
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).
EXAMPLE
Im alten Schloss entdeckten sie eine geheime Kammer hinter dem Kamin.
In the old castle, they discovered a secret chamber behind the fireplace.
Compare with
geheim vs heimlich
secret
Heimlich mainly describes a deliberate action that others are not supposed to notice. Geheim refers more to information or a fact that is not generally known and is known only to a few people. Use heimlich for the way an action is performed and geheim for the protected content.
geheim
Der genaue Treffpunkt blieb bis zum Abend geheim.
The exact meeting place remained secret until the evening.
heimlich
Sie traf ihren Freund heimlich, weil ihre Eltern nichts davon wissen sollten.
She met her boyfriend secretly because her parents were not supposed to know about it.
In real life
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