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.
to lay out face up
To spread or place something so that it is visible to everyone. Often used in card games.
Beim Pokern musste der Spieler am Ende seine Karten offenlegen.
In poker, the player had to lay out his cards face up at the end.
'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” means making information publicly accessible. “Offenlegen” is particularly appropriate when information that was previously secret or private becomes visible, including to a limited group of recipients. Use “veröffentlichen” for a public release, and “offenlegen” often for transparently presenting internal data.
Die Stadt legt dem Ausschuss die bisher internen Finanzdaten offen.
The city disclosed the previously internal financial data to the committee.
Die Stadt veröffentlicht die Finanzdaten auf ihrer Website.
The city publishes the financial data on its website.
