01
vergraben
to bury
To dig something into the ground or under something else so that it is no longer visible.
example
Der Hund hat seinen Knochen im Garten vergraben.
The dog buried his bone in the garden.
vergraben
to bury
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Vergraben' (to bury) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'graben' (to dig) in all sentence forms and is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Der Pirat hat die Schatzkarte auf der Insel vergraben.
The pirate buried the treasure map on the island.
Reflexive or not
This verb can be used reflexively or non-reflexively. Non-reflexively, it means to bury an object. Reflexively ('sich vergraben'), it means to immerse oneself in an activity or to hide one's face.
EXAMPLE
Die Eichhörnchen vergraben im Herbst Nüsse für den Winter.
Squirrels bury nuts in autumn for the winter.
Typical objects
In the literal meaning, 'vergraben' (to bury) is often used with objects that one wants to hide. Typical examples are 'einen Schatz vergraben' (to bury a treasure), 'Beweise vergraben' (to bury evidence), or 'eine Zeitkapsel vergraben' (to bury a time capsule).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben eine Zeitkapsel im Schulhof vergraben.
The children buried a time capsule in the schoolyard.
Sentence structure with 'in'
In the figurative meaning 'to immerse oneself', the verb is used reflexively with the preposition 'in' and the dative. You bury yourself in something.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende vergrabe ich mich am liebsten in einem guten Buch.
On the weekend, I like nothing better than to bury myself in a good book.
Hiding the face
When hiding one's face, the phrase 'das Gesicht in den Händen vergraben' (to bury one's face in one's hands) is often used. Here, 'in' takes the accusative because it describes a movement.
EXAMPLE
Aus Scham vergrub sie ihr Gesicht im Kissen.
Out of shame, she buried her face in the pillow.
Compare with
vergraben vs verstecken
to hide
'verstecken' and 'vergraben' can both mean that something is no longer visible or not easy to find. 'verstecken' is more general: you can hide a key in a drawer or hide behind a door. 'vergraben' is more specific: something is put into the ground or under something else and is thereby covered. You can also bury your face in your hands or in a pillow. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with hiding or concealing. As a practical rule: if earth, sand, or a covering layer is important, 'vergraben' fits. In most other situations, 'verstecken' fits.
vergraben
Der Hund vergräbt seinen Knochen im Garten.
The dog buries his bone in the garden.
verstecken
Am Abend versteckt Tom den Brief in einer alten Kiste.
In the evening, Tom hides the letter in an old box.
In real life
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