das Geheimnis
secret
Information that is not generally known or not meant to be known and is entrusted to only a few people.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir unter vier Augen ein Geheimnis anvertraut.
He confided a secret to me in private.
das Geheimnis
secret
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Meanings
das Geheimnis
secret
The hidden cause or decisive factor behind something, often behind a success or a phenomenon.
EXAMPLE
Das Geheimnis eines guten Kuchens liegt in den frischen Zutaten.
The secret of a good cake lies in the fresh ingredients.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Geheimnis' (secret) is related to 'heimlich' (secretly). The root 'heim' means 'home' or 'private'. So a 'Geheimnis' is something that you keep private, hidden away.
EXAMPLE
Sie erzählte mir heimlich von ihrem Plan.
She secretly told me about her plan.
Context clue
When it is about information between people, the first meaning is intended. When it is about the cause of a success or a phenomenon (often with the genitive, as in 'das Geheimnis des Erfolgs' — the secret of success), the second meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du ein Geheimnis für dich behalten?
Can you keep a secret?
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used with 'Geheimnis' (secret): you can 'bewahren' (keep), 'hüten' (guard), 'für sich behalten' (keep to yourself), 'verraten' (reveal), or 'lüften' (uncover) a secret.
EXAMPLE
Er hat aus Versehen das Geheimnis verraten.
He accidentally revealed the secret.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein Geheimnis aus etwas machen' means that someone does not want to speak openly about something, even though it may not be necessary to be secretive.
EXAMPLE
Warum machst du so ein Geheimnis aus deinem neuen Job?
Why are you making such a secret of your new job?
Use with the genitive
In this meaning, 'Geheimnis' (secret) often appears with a genitive or a 'von' construction to say what it is the secret of: 'das Geheimnis des Lebens' (the secret of life) or 'das Geheimnis von gutem Wein' (the secret of good wine).
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, das Geheimnis des Glücks zu finden.
He is trying to find the secret of happiness.
Compare with
Geheimnis vs Schlüssel
key / wrench
Der Schlüssel is the decisive means that leads to a result or makes a solution possible. Das Geheimnis is a decisive factor that is initially hidden or not generally known. Schlüssel fits a clear path to success, while Geheimnis fits a surprising hidden cause.
Geheimnis
Eine bisher unbekannte Trainingsmethode war das Geheimnis ihres Erfolgs.
A previously unknown training method was the secret to her success.
Schlüssel
Regelmäßiges Üben war der Schlüssel zu ihrem Erfolg.
Regular practice was the key to her success.
In real life
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