01
offenbaren
to reveal
To deliberately make known or reveal something that was secret, unknown, or hidden.
example
In dem Brief offenbarte er ihr seine wahren Gefühle.
In the letter, he revealed his true feelings to her.
offenbaren
to reveal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'offenbaren' (to reveal) is closely related to the adjective 'offen' (open). It literally means to 'make something open,' that is, to make it visible or known.
EXAMPLE
Er wollte seine Pläne noch nicht offenbaren.
He did not want to reveal his plans yet.
Register and style
'Offenbaren' (to reveal) is a word used in elevated language. It sounds more formal and poetic than everyday verbs like 'zeigen' (to show) or 'verraten' (to betray/reveal).
EXAMPLE
Die Untersuchung offenbarte schwere Mängel in der Konstruktion.
The investigation revealed serious defects in the construction.
Transitive vs. reflexive
The verb can be used transitively or reflexively. 'Etwas offenbaren' (to reveal something) means to disclose a secret. 'Sich offenbaren' (to reveal itself/oneself) means that something becomes visible on its own or shows itself.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge offenbarte dem Gericht wichtige Details.
The witness revealed important details to the court.
Sentence structure with dative
When saying to whom something is revealed, that person or group is in the dative. The thing revealed is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie offenbarte nur ihren engsten Freunden ihr Geheimnis.
She revealed her secret only to her closest friends.
Context clue
The reflexive form 'sich offenbaren' (to reveal itself/oneself) is often used in a religious or spiritual context. Words like 'Gott' (God), 'Geist' (spirit), or 'Vision' (vision) are typical companions then.
EXAMPLE
In der Stille der Natur offenbarte sich ihm eine tiefe Wahrheit.
In the silence of nature, a deep truth revealed itself to him.
Compare with
offenbaren vs zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'offenbaren' can both mean that something becomes visible or recognizable. However, 'zeigen' is much more general and fits very many everyday situations: you can show a photo, show feelings, or show something with numbers. 'offenbaren' sounds stronger and often more formal. It fits especially when something was previously secret, hidden, or unclear and then becomes clear. In everyday language, 'zeigen' is usually more natural; 'offenbaren' is used more for important information, inner feelings, or surprising truths.
offenbaren
Nach dem langen Streit offenbarte sie endlich den wahren Grund für ihre Wut.
After the long argument, she finally revealed the real reason for her anger.
zeigen
Im Gespräch zeigt Tom seinem Freund die Fotos von der Veranstaltung.
During the conversation, Tom shows his friend the photos from the event.
In real life
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