unsichtbar
invisible
Not perceptible or visible to the eyes.
EXAMPLE
Gase wie Sauerstoff oder Stickstoff sind für das menschliche Auge unsichtbar.
Gases like oxygen or nitrogen are invisible to the human eye.
unsichtbar
invisible
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Meanings
unsichtbar
invisible
In a figurative sense, a person or thing that is not noticed, is ignored, or is overlooked.
EXAMPLE
Als neue Mitarbeiterin in der großen Abteilung fühlte sie sich anfangs völlig unsichtbar.
As a new employee in the large department, she initially felt completely invisible.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'sichtbar' (visible). 'Un-' negates the base word, so 'unsichtbar' (invisible) means 'not visible'.
EXAMPLE
Viele Mikroorganismen sind für das bloße Auge unsichtbar.
Many microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye.
Typical expression
A very common and useful expression is 'sich unsichtbar machen' (to make oneself invisible). This can mean hiding or wanting to remain inconspicuous in a social situation.
EXAMPLE
In dem Film hat der Held einen Umhang, mit dem er sich unsichtbar machen kann.
In the film, the hero has a cloak with which he can make himself invisible.
Context clue: feelings
The figurative meaning is often used to describe feelings. A clear signal for this is the combination with the verb 'fühlen' (to feel): 'sich unsichtbar fühlen' (to feel invisible) means to feel ignored or unnoticed by others.
EXAMPLE
Auf der großen Party fühlte er sich klein und unsichtbar.
At the big party, he felt small and invisible.
Compare with
unsichtbar vs unauffällig
inconspicuous / unremarkable
Unsichtbar means that a person or thing cannot actually be perceived with the eyes. Unauffällig, by contrast, means that it remains visible but attracts little attention. Unsichtbar fits complete visual concealment, while unauffällig fits a discreet appearance.
unsichtbar
Hinter dem dichten Vorhang blieb die Person für die Gäste unsichtbar.
Behind the thick curtain, the person remained invisible to the guests.
unauffällig
In schlichter grauer Kleidung blieb die Person unter den Gästen unauffällig.
Dressed in plain gray clothes, the person remained inconspicuous among the guests.
In real life
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