to envelop
Loading your saved state.
to envelop
To wrap, cover, or surround someone or something completely. It can be used literally (with a blanket) or figuratively (in fog, silence).
Dichter Nebel hüllte die gesamte Küste in ein graues Tuch.
Thick fog enveloped the entire coast in a gray veil.
The verb 'hüllen' (to envelop) is related to the noun 'die Hülle' (cover/case). A 'Hülle' is a protective or concealing layer, such as a phone case or a pillowcase.
Die Raupe spinnt sich eine Hülle, bevor sie zum Schmetterling wird.
The caterpillar spins itself a casing before it becomes a butterfly.
The verb 'hüllen' (to envelop) is almost always used with the preposition 'in' + accusative. The structure is: someone/something envelops someone/something in something.
Sie hüllte das frierende Kind in eine warme Decke.
She wrapped the freezing child in a warm blanket.
'Hüllen' (to envelop) is a rather elevated and vivid word. You find it more often in literature or poetic language than in everyday conversation.
Der Künstler hüllte seine Skulptur bis zur Enthüllung in ein Tuch.
The artist covered his sculpture with a cloth until the unveiling.
The expression 'sich in Schweigen hüllen' (to remain silent) is a fixed unit. It is reflexive ('sich hüllen') and means that a person deliberately says nothing about a topic.
Der Politiker hüllte sich zu den Gerüchten in Schweigen.
The politician remained silent about the rumors.
to be silent
'schweigen' and 'sich in Schweigen hüllen' can both mean that someone says nothing about a topic. 'schweigen' is the normal, direct word. It fits in many situations, including when someone is simply quiet. 'sich in Schweigen hüllen' is a fixed expression and sounds more figurative. It is used especially when someone deliberately gives no information, even though others expect an answer. The expression often sounds somewhat more formal or journalistic.
Nach der Sitzung hüllte sich die Firma in Schweigen.
After the meeting, the company remained silent.
Der Chef schweigt zu den neuen Plänen und nennt noch keinen Termin.
The boss remains silent about the new plans and has not given a date yet.