01
verschwinden
to disappear
For someone or something to move to a place where they can no longer be seen or found; to become invisible.
example
Die Sonne ist hinter den Wolken verschwunden.
The sun disappeared behind the clouds.
verschwinden
to disappear
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verschwinden' (to disappear) is inseparable. The prefix 'ver-' often suggests that something goes away, gets lost, or comes to an end, which fits the meaning of the word well.
EXAMPLE
Mein Schlüssel ist schon wieder verschwunden.
My key has disappeared again.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
'Verschwinden' describes a change of place or state. Therefore, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich sind alle meine Sorgen verschwunden.
Suddenly all my worries disappeared.
Typical collocations
When something becomes invisible, 'verschwinden' is often combined with places or circumstances. Typical phrases are 'im Nebel verschwinden' (to disappear into the fog), 'in der Menge verschwinden' (to disappear into the crowd), or 'hinter dem Horizont verschwinden' (to disappear behind the horizon).
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff ist langsam hinter dem Horizont verschwunden.
The ship slowly disappeared behind the horizon.
Colloquial command
In the imperative ('Verschwinde!' — 'Get lost!'), the word is a very direct and often rude command to go away. It is used mainly in spoken language and in informal, often tense situations.
EXAMPLE
Verschwinde endlich, ich habe keine Zeit für dich!
Get lost already; I don't have time for you!
Abstract concepts
In its figurative meaning, 'verschwinden' is often used for abstract things like feelings or problems. Common combinations are 'die Angst verschwindet' (the fear disappears), 'die Schmerzen verschwinden' (the pain disappears), or 'die Zweifel verschwinden' (the doubts disappear).
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er die gute Nachricht gehört hatte, sind seine Sorgen verschwunden.
After he heard the good news, his worries disappeared.
Compare with
verschwinden vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
'bestehen' and 'verschwinden' are opposites here. 'bestehen' means that something remains present or continues to exist. In this figurative meaning, 'verschwinden' means that something stops existing or dissolves. You use 'bestehen' when a problem, rule, or state is still there. 'verschwinden' fits when exactly that is no longer there.
verschwinden
Nach der Reparatur verschwanden die Geräusche im Motor.
After the repair, the noises in the engine disappeared.
bestehen
Das Problem besteht auch nach dem Gespräch weiter.
The problem still exists even after the conversation.
In real life
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