unrecognized
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unrecognized
In such a way that someone or something is not identified as the person or thing they actually are. The true identity or nature remains hidden.
Der berühmte Schauspieler konnte unerkannt durch die Stadt spazieren.
The famous actor was able to walk through the city unrecognized.
The word is a combination of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'erkannt' (recognized), the past participle of 'erkennen' (to recognize). So it literally means 'nicht erkannt' (not recognized).
Der Dieb hoffte, unerkannt aus dem Museum zu entkommen.
The thief hoped to escape from the museum unrecognized.
'Unerkannt' (unrecognized) is very often used with the verb 'bleiben' (to remain). The construction 'unerkannt bleiben' means that the true identity of a person or the nature of a thing remains hidden.
Trotz seiner Verkleidung blieb der berühmte Sänger nicht lange unerkannt.
Despite his disguise, the famous singer did not remain unrecognized for long.
In the meaning 'not appreciated', 'unerkannt' (unrecognized) is often used as an adjective before nouns that describe an ability or a person with that ability. Typical examples are 'unerkanntes Talent' (unrecognized talent), 'unerkanntes Genie' (unrecognized genius), or 'unerkannte Künstlerin' (unrecognized female artist).
Sie war eine lange Zeit unerkannte Künstlerin, die heute weltberühmt ist.
For a long time, she was an unrecognized artist who is world-famous today.
unknown
'unbekannt' and 'unerkannt' can both mean that someone or something is not perceived correctly. The difference lies in the focus. Use 'unbekannt' when a person, a name, or a thing is not known or is not famous. Use 'unerkannt' when someone or something is present, but is not recognized for what it really is. A talent can also remain 'unerkannt' if others do not notice it. The words can be confused because both have to do with a lack of knowledge. In practice: 'unbekannt' means more like 'nobody knows it', while 'unerkannt' means more like 'nobody recognizes what it really is'.
Der Schauspieler ging mit Mütze und Sonnenbrille unerkannt durch die Stadt.
The actor walked through the city unrecognized, wearing a cap and sunglasses.
Der Name auf dem alten Brief war mir völlig unbekannt.
The name on the old letter was completely unknown to me.