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
sich verstecken
to hide
To go to a place in order not to be seen or found by others.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze hat sich unter dem Bett versteckt.
The cat hid under the bed.
verstecken
to hide
To keep something immaterial, such as feelings, intentions, or information, secret and not show it.
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, seine Enttäuschung hinter einem Lächeln zu verstecken.
He tried to hide his disappointment behind a smile.
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 verbergen
to hide / conceal
Both verbs mean that something is not meant to be seen or found. „Verstecken“ usually sounds more natural in everyday situations and when referring to a specific place. „Verbergen“ places more emphasis on deliberately keeping something secret or making it invisible and often sounds somewhat more formal. Both words are possible for objects.
verstecken
Lena versteckte den Schlüssel unter dem Kissen, damit ihn niemand fand.
Lena hid the key under the pillow so that no one would find it.
verbergen
Lena verbarg ihre Enttäuschung, damit die anderen sie nicht bemerkten.
Lena concealed her disappointment so that the others would not notice it.
In real life
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