das Versteckspiel
hide-and-seek
A children's game in which one or more people hide and the others search for them.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten im Garten Versteckspiel.
The children played hide-and-seek in the garden.
das Versteckspiel
hide-and-seek
das Versteckspiel, die Versteckspiele
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Meanings
ein Versteckspiel treiben
to play hide-and-seek
A situation in which someone deliberately withholds information, avoids giving a clear answer, or keeps out of sight.
EXAMPLE
Die Verantwortlichen treiben mit der Öffentlichkeit ein Versteckspiel und nennen keine Namen.
The people responsible are playing hide-and-seek with the public and are not naming anyone.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Versteckspiel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Versteckspiele |
| genitive | des Versteckspiels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Versteckspiel | die Versteckspiele |
| accusative | das Versteckspiel | die Versteckspiele |
| dative | dem Versteckspiel | den Versteckspielen |
| genitive | des Versteckspiels des Versteckspieles | der Versteckspiele |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Versteckspiel' is made up of 'Versteck' (hiding place) and 'Spiel' (game). Literally, it means a game in which a hiding place plays a central role; this also led to its figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Beim Versteckspiel im Wald mussten die Kinder besonders leise sein.
The children had to be especially quiet during the game of hide-and-seek in the woods.
Typical collocation
For the meaning of a children's game, 'Versteckspiel' often occurs with the verb 'spielen' (to play). The word refers to the whole game, not just the act of hiding.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Mittagessen spielten die Kinder ein spannendes Versteckspiel.
After lunch, the children played an exciting game of hide-and-seek.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, the focus is usually on deliberate ambiguity or a lack of openness. Signal words include 'Informationen' (information), 'Antworten' (answers), 'Namen' (names), or 'Wahrheit' (truth); 'Versteckspiel' often occurs in the phrase 'ein Versteckspiel mit jemandem treiben' (to play hide-and-seek with someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma treibt mit ihren Kunden ein Versteckspiel und beantwortet wichtige Fragen nicht.
The company is playing hide-and-seek with its customers and is not answering important questions.
In real life
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