camouflage / disguise
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camouflage
The adaptation of outward appearance to the surroundings in order not to be discovered. This is used by animals for hunting or protection and by the military to hide people and equipment.
Das Chamäleon ist ein Meister der Tarnung und kann seine Farbe dem Untergrund anpassen.
The chameleon is a master of camouflage and can adapt its color to the surface beneath it.
disguise / cover
An action or behavior intended to hide one's true intentions, feelings, or identity.
Seine angebliche Freundlichkeit war nur eine Tarnung, um an die vertraulichen Informationen zu gelangen.
His supposed friendliness was only a disguise to get access to the confidential information.
The noun 'die Tarnung' (camouflage/disguise) comes from the verb 'sich tarnen' (to camouflage oneself / to disguise oneself). When an animal or person camouflages or disguises themselves, they use 'eine Tarnung' (a camouflage/disguise). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun.
Der Soldat tarnte sich mit Blättern und Ästen.
The soldier camouflaged himself with leaves and branches.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about animals, nature, or the military, the literal 'Tarnung' (camouflage) is meant. If it is about human behavior, feelings, or intentions, the figurative meaning (pretense/disguise) is meant.
Die weiße Farbe des Fells dient dem Polarfuchs im Winter als Tarnung.
The white color of its fur serves as camouflage for the Arctic fox in winter.
In the literal sense, 'Tarnung' (camouflage) is often combined with adjectives like 'perfekt' (perfect) or 'gut' (good). A typical fixed expression is 'als Tarnung dienen' (to serve as camouflage).
Die Streifen des Zebras dienen als perfekte Tarnung in der Gruppe.
The zebra's stripes serve as perfect camouflage in the group.
In the figurative meaning, 'Tarnung' (disguise/cover) describes a façade. People often speak of a 'Tarnung der Gefühle' (disguise of feelings) or use the structure 'etwas als Tarnung benutzen' (to use something as a cover).
Er benutzte seine Geschäftsreise als Tarnung für ein heimliches Treffen.
He used his business trip as a cover for a secret meeting.
disguise / covering
Verkleidung and Tarnung can both help conceal one's identity. A Verkleidung changes a person's appearance through clothing and accessories, making them look like another person or character. Tarnung is broader and can also include inconspicuous behavior that conceals someone's true identity.
Zur Tarnung verhielt sich der Ermittler im Gebäude wie ein gewöhnlicher Besucher.
To conceal his identity, the investigator behaved like an ordinary visitor in the building.
Mit einer Verkleidung als Techniker gelangte der Ermittler unbemerkt in das Gebäude.
Disguised as a technician, the investigator entered the building without being noticed.
