to veil / conceal
Loading your saved state.
to veil
To cover something or someone completely with a cloth or another material so that it or they are no longer visible.
Vor der Enthüllung war die Statue mit einem großen Tuch verhüllt.
Before the unveiling, the statue was veiled with a large cloth.
The verb consists of the prefix 'ver-' and the stem 'hüllen' (to wrap, to put something into a covering). Here, the prefix 'ver-' reinforces the idea of completely covering or hiding something.
Sie verhüllte ihr Haar mit einem eleganten Schal.
She veiled her hair with an elegant scarf.
The prefix 'ver-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses.
Der Künstler hat sein neuestes Werk bis zur Eröffnung verhüllt.
The artist has kept his latest work veiled until the opening.
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the object. Concrete objects like 'Gesicht' (face) or 'Statue' (statue) point to the literal meaning, while abstract objects like 'Absichten' (intentions) or 'Wahrheit' (truth) point to the figurative one.
Dichter Nebel verhüllte die Landschaft.
Thick fog veiled the landscape.
In the literal meaning, the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative are often used to indicate what something is covered with.
Die Braut verhüllte ihr Gesicht mit einem Schleier.
The bride veiled her face with a veil.
In the figurative meaning, 'verhüllen' (to conceal) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Absichten' (intentions), 'Gefühle' (feelings), 'Wahrheit' (truth), or 'Pläne' (plans).
Er ist ein Meister darin, seine wahren Gefühle zu verhüllen.
He is a master at concealing his true feelings.
to hide
'verstecken' and 'verhüllen' can both mean that something is not visible or not clearly recognizable. 'verstecken' usually means that you put something in a place, or keep it so secret, that others cannot find or notice it. 'verhüllen' is more about covering something, for example with a cloth, or deliberately making a truth unclear. The words can be confused because in the end something is not openly visible. As a practical rule: 'verstecken' fits more with not being found, while 'verhüllen' fits more with covering or concealing.
Der Künstler verhüllt die Statue mit einem weißen Tuch.
The artist covers the statue with a white cloth.
Vor der Feier versteckt Lena das Geschenk im Schrank.
Before the celebration, Lena hides the gift in the cupboard.