01
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
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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 sichtbar
visible
'sichtbar' and 'unsichtbar' are opposites. 'sichtbar' means that you can see something or that something is clearly recognizable. 'unsichtbar' means that you cannot see something. In a figurative sense, 'unsichtbar' can also mean that someone is not noticed or is overlooked. So the contrast is: something is there and you recognize it, or something is there but you do not see or notice it.
unsichtbar
Im Team fühlte sich Maria oft unsichtbar, weil niemand nach ihrer Meinung fragte.
Maria often felt invisible on the team because no one asked for her opinion.
sichtbar
Bei gutem Wetter ist der Turm schon von weitem sichtbar.
In good weather, the tower is visible from far away.
In real life
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