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.
to mask
To cover another person in such a way that they can no longer be recognized.
Die Entführer vermummten ihre Geisel, bevor sie sie in das Auto zerrten.
The kidnappers masked their hostage before dragging her into the car.
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 disguise / to clad
Sich verkleiden means using clothing and a changed appearance to represent another person or character. Sich vermummen means covering the face or body so that the person cannot be recognized. Verkleiden is appropriate for portraying a role; when concealing identifying features is the key point, vermummen is more precise.
Vor der heimlichen Aktion vermummt sich Tom mit einem Tuch, damit ihn niemand erkennt.
Before the covert operation, Tom covers his face with a cloth so that no one can recognize him.
Beim Karneval verkleidet sich Tom mit einem langen Mantel als Pirat.
At Carnival, Tom dresses up as a pirate in a long coat.
