01
verstecken
to hide
To put an object in a place where it cannot be easily found.
example
Die Kinder haben die Ostereier im ganzen Garten versteckt.
The children hid the Easter eggs all over the garden.
verstecken
to hide
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verstecken' (to hide) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'stecken' in all tenses and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Brief schnell in seiner Tasche versteckt.
He quickly hid the letter in his bag.
Prepositions with dative
The place where something is hidden is almost always expressed with a preposition and the dative. You ask 'Wo ist es versteckt?' (Where is it hidden?).
EXAMPLE
Das Kind hat sich hinter dem Sofa versteckt.
The child hid behind the sofa.
Reflexive use
When a person or animal hides themselves, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich verstecken' (to hide). The related children's game is called 'Verstecken spielen' (to play hide-and-seek).
EXAMPLE
Die Katze hat Angst vor dem Staubsauger und versteckt sich immer.
The cat is afraid of the vacuum cleaner and always hides.
Figurative meaning
You can 'verstecken' (hide) not only objects, but also abstract things like feelings, intentions, or information. The object is then something you do not want to show.
EXAMPLE
Sie konnte ihre Nervosität vor dem Gespräch kaum verstecken.
She could hardly hide her nervousness before the conversation.
Compare with
verstecken vs zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'verstecken' are often opposites. With 'zeigen', you make something visible or let a feeling be seen. With 'verstecken', you make sure that something is not seen or found. This can be an object, but also a feeling or a piece of information. In practical terms: someone who 'zeigt' something makes it open; someone who 'versteckt' something keeps it back from others.
verstecken
Zu Hause versteckt Tom sein Geld in einer kleinen Dose.
At home, Tom hides his money in a small tin.
zeigen
Kannst du mir bitte zeigen, wo der Eingang zur Bibliothek ist?
Can you please show me where the entrance to the library is?
In real life
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