to cover one's face / to mask
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to cover one's face
To cover one's face or whole body with scarves, a mask, or clothing so that one can no longer be recognized.
Die Demonstranten hatten sich mit Schals und Kapuzen vermummt.
The demonstrators had covered their faces with scarves and hoods.
The word comes from the old German word 'Mumme', which means 'mask'. 'Sich vermummen' (to cover one's face) therefore literally means to cover oneself as if with a mask in order to remain unrecognized.
An Karneval laufen viele vermummte Gestalten durch die Straßen.
During Carnival, many masked figures walk through the streets.
In most cases, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich vermummen' (to cover one's face). It is often followed by the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative to describe what one covers oneself with.
Im Winter vermummen sich die Leute mit dicken Schals und Mützen.
In winter, people cover themselves up with thick scarves and hats.
A very common fixed expression is 'bis zur Unerkenntlichkeit vermummen' (to cover oneself up beyond recognition). It emphasizes that the person can absolutely no longer be identified.
Der Bankräuber war bis zur Unerkenntlichkeit vermummt.
The bank robber was covered up beyond recognition.
to reveal / unveil
'enthüllen' and 'vermummen' can both have to do with visibility, but they mean the opposite. In this context, 'enthüllen' means to remove a covering so that something becomes publicly visible, for example a monument. 'vermummen' means to cover the face or body in such a way that a person cannot be recognized. So 'enthüllen' makes something visible, while 'vermummen' makes someone unrecognizable. The contrast is especially clear when it is about covering and showing.
Bei der Kälte vermummt sich Paul mit Schal und Mütze.
In the cold, Paul covers himself up with a scarf and hat.
Am Rathaus enthüllt die Bürgermeisterin eine neue Gedenktafel.
At city hall, the mayor unveils a new commemorative plaque.