to go into hiding / to submerge
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to go into hiding
To hide and disappear from public view in order not to be found, often to avoid persecution or arrest.
Nach dem Banküberfall ist der Hauptverdächtige bei Freunden untergetaucht.
After the bank robbery, the main suspect went into hiding with friends.
'Untertauchen' (to go into hiding / to submerge) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'unter-' goes at the end; in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in between.
Der Verdächtige tauchte sofort unter.
The suspect went into hiding immediately.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about water, swimming, or diving, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about pursuit, crime, or being impossible to find, the figurative meaning 'sich verstecken' (to hide) is intended.
Die Kinder lieben es, im Schwimmbad unterzutauchen.
The children love submerging in the swimming pool.
In the meaning 'sich verstecken' (to hide), the preposition 'bei' is often used to indicate the place or person with whom someone is hiding. 'In' with a place is also common.
Er ist für eine Weile bei seinen Eltern untergetaucht.
He went into hiding at his parents' house for a while.
to disappear
'verschwinden' and 'untertauchen' can both mean that someone can no longer be found. 'verschwinden' is general and only says that someone is gone or is no longer seen. 'untertauchen' is more specific: a person hides deliberately and does not want to be found, often because of the police, debts, or danger. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with not being findable. If it is only about being gone, 'verschwinden' fits; if someone is hiding on purpose, 'untertauchen' is more precise.
Nach dem Betrug ist der Mann für mehrere Monate untergetaucht.
After the fraud, the man went into hiding for several months.
Beim Einkaufen verschwand das Kind plötzlich zwischen den Regalen.
While shopping, the child suddenly disappeared between the shelves.