Verstecken
/fərˈʃtɛkən/neuter
The English phrase 'hide and seek' is translated into German as Verstecken. If unsure, use Verstecken. Wiktionary also lists Versteckspiel.
Meaning: game (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Verstecken | /fərˈʃtɛkən/ /fɛr-/ |
neuter |
| Versteckspiel | neuter |
In German, the game is typically expressed using the verbal noun Verstecken followed by the verb spielen.
Which one should you use?
Verstecken is the more common, everyday way to refer to the game compared to the more formal Versteckspiel. Versteckspiel is a more formal or technical noun for the game, though it is less frequently used in casual conversation with children.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to play hide-and-seek', use the phrase Verstecken spielen.
How do you pronounce it?
/fərˈʃtɛkən/
Did you know?
- The term Versteckspiel is often used metaphorically in German politics and journalism to describe a 'game of cat and mouse' where parties avoid a direct confrontation.
- In German, the word for 'hiding' is closely related to the English word 'stick', as both languages share a common ancestor for the root 'stecken'.
- In German, the verb stecken can mean 'to put' or 'to stick', but adding the prefix ver- completely transforms the meaning into the act of concealing something.
Examples in context
- Lass uns Verstecken spielen!Let's play hide-and-seek!This sentence is useful for suggesting that you play Verstecken together.Tatoeba #3687046 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1064354 by sundown
- Lasst uns Verstecken spielen!Let's play hide and seek.This sentence is useful for suggesting that a group of people play Verstecken together.Tatoeba #1071758 by Esperantostern, translation #2007528 by CK
- Die Kinder spielen Verstecken.The children are playing hide-and-seek.This sentence is useful for describing children who are currently playing Verstecken.Tatoeba #5377318 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5377300 by CK
- Ich habe ein gutes Versteck gefunden!I found a good hiding spot!
- Lass uns Versteckerli spielen!Let's play hide and seek!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two children are playing in the garden.
- LauraWollen wir Verstecken spielen?Do you want to play hide and seek?
- JulianJa, das Verstecken macht viel Spaß.Yes, hide and seek is a lot of fun.
- LauraIch verstecke mich jetzt, Julian.I am hiding now, Julian.
- JulianIch suche dich gleich, Laura!I will look for you soon, Laura!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hide and seek” translations and entries Verstecken, Versteckspiel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verstecken, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
