01
verbergen
to hide
To hide an object in a place so that it cannot be seen or found.
example
Er verbarg den Schlüssel unter der Fußmatte.
He hid the key under the doormat.
verbergen
to hide / conceal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verbergen' (to hide/conceal) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'bergen' in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er verbirgt etwas vor uns.
He is hiding something from us.
Reflexive use
When a person or object hides itself, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich verbergen' (to hide oneself / to be hidden). If it is used without 'sich', the subject is hiding another thing or a feeling.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze verbirgt sich unter dem Sofa.
The cat is hiding under the sofa.
Participle as adjective
The past participle 'verborgen' (hidden) is very often used like an adjective to describe something as 'versteckt' (hidden) or 'geheim' (secret). It then stands before a noun and is declined.
EXAMPLE
Wir entdeckten einen verborgenen Schatz.
We discovered a hidden treasure.
Feelings and information
'Verbergen' (to conceal) is used especially often to express keeping feelings, intentions, or information secret. Typical objects are then 'die Wahrheit' (the truth), 'seine Angst' (his fear), or 'die Nervosität' (nervousness).
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, seine Nervosität zu verbergen.
He tried to conceal his nervousness.
Compare with
verbergen vs zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'verbergen' form a clear contrast. With 'zeigen', you make something visible or let a feeling or piece of information be seen. With 'verbergen', you deliberately keep something hidden so that others do not see it or know it. 'verbergen' often sounds a bit more formal than 'verstecken', but it fits well with feelings, intentions, and information. In short: 'zeigen' makes something open; 'verbergen' makes something invisible or secret.
verbergen
Der Chef verbirgt seine Sorgen vor dem Team.
The boss conceals his worries from the team.
zeigen
In der Schule zeigt Clara ihrer Klasse die Fotos von der Reise.
At school, Clara shows her class the photos from the trip.
In real life
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