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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
verschwinden
to disappear
To become lost or be stolen, so that something can no longer be found.
EXAMPLE
Meine Brieftasche ist aus meiner Tasche verschwunden.
My wallet disappeared from my bag.
verschwinden
to get lost
A colloquial, often rude command to leave a place.
EXAMPLE
Verschwinde von hier, ich will dich nicht mehr sehen!
Get lost, I don't want to see you anymore!
verschwinden
to disappear
In a figurative sense, to stop existing; to dissolve or fade away.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Gespräch waren all seine Zweifel verschwunden.
After the conversation, all his doubts had disappeared.
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 verlassen
to leave / rely
Verlassen describes someone leaving a place. Verschwinden, by contrast, emphasizes the result: afterward, the person can no longer be seen or found. Use verlassen when only the act of leaving is important; use verschwinden when the person is no longer visible or cannot be found.
verschwinden
Nach dem Gespräch verschwand Lea, und niemand konnte sie finden.
After the conversation, Lea disappeared, and no one could find her.
verlassen
Nach dem Gespräch verließ Lea das Büro und fuhr nach Hause.
After the conversation, Lea left the office and drove home.
In real life
Loading video examples...