to disclose / reveal
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to disclose
To make information that was previously secret or private accessible to others or to publish it. Often refers to finances, plans, or intentions.
Das Unternehmen muss seine Finanzergebnisse einmal im Quartal offenlegen.
The company has to disclose its financial results once per quarter.
'Offenlegen' (to disclose / reveal) is a separable verb. The prefix 'offen-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Politiker legte seine Nebeneinkünfte offen.
The politician disclosed his additional income.
The verb is made up of 'offen' (open) and 'legen' (to lay). The literal meaning 'to lay something out openly' helps you understand both meanings: you make either information (abstract) or objects (concrete) visible to everyone.
Der Journalist legte die geheimen Dokumente für alle sichtbar auf den Tisch.
The journalist laid the secret documents on the table for everyone to see.
In the meaning 'to publish', the verb is often used with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'Finanzen offenlegen' (to disclose finances), 'Pläne offenlegen' (to disclose plans), 'Interessen offenlegen' (to disclose interests), or 'Quellen offenlegen' (to disclose sources).
Die Stiftung muss ihre Finanzen jährlich offenlegen.
The foundation has to disclose its finances annually.
You can tell whether the concrete or the figurative meaning is intended from the object. If it is something abstract like 'Pläne' (plans) or 'Gehälter' (salaries), it is about information. If it is something concrete like 'Karten' (cards), the literal meaning is intended.
Sie musste den Inhalt ihrer Tasche bei der Sicherheitskontrolle offenlegen.
She had to reveal the contents of her bag at the security check.
to publish
'veröffentlichen' and 'offenlegen' can both mean that information becomes accessible to others. 'veröffentlichen' is general and fits texts, media, results, or news. 'offenlegen' is used more when something was previously secret, private, or not visible, for example finances, plans, or interests. It often sounds more official and emphasizes transparency. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with public information. As a guide: you publish a report with 'veröffentlichen', but you disclose secret or private information with 'offenlegen'.
Daniel legt beim Termin seine Einnahmen und Ausgaben offen.
Daniel discloses his income and expenses at the appointment.
Die Stadt hat neue Regeln für die Nachbarschaft veröffentlicht.
The city published new rules for the neighborhood.