enthüllen
[ʔɛntˈhʏln̩]
To reveal in German is enthüllen.
enthüllen is used to mean uncover or unveil. It is the standard verb used when a physical object, such as a monument or a statue, is being unveiled. While it can be used for secrets, it often implies the physical act of removing a cover. If you wish to say 'bring the truth to light', you can use the phrase Die Wahrheit ans Licht bringen and to say 'to reveal something to someone' you can use Jemandem etwas verraten.
Meaning: to uncover (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix ent- in enthüllen functions as a de- or un- prefix, indicating the removal of something.
Which one should you use?
While enthüllen often implies physically removing a cover or uncovering a secret, offenbaren is more frequently used for revealing abstract truths, spiritual manifestations or deep feelings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past tense of enthüllen is enthüllte. To form the perfect tense, use the past participle enthüllt with the auxiliary verb haben, such as hat enthüllt.
Did you know?
- If you use verraten to reveal a secret, you are using a word that also means 'to betray'.
- The word enthüllen is a linguistic cousin of the obsolete English word 'unhill', which meant to uncover or reveal.
- In a political context, an 'enthüllung' (unveiling) might refer to a scandalous revelation, but it is also the standard term for a formal ceremony where a new monument is uncovered.
Examples in context
- Ich kann meine Quelle nicht enthüllen.I can't reveal my source.This sentence shows how to express the inability to reveal a source using enthüllen.Tatoeba #1967769 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1954799 by CK
- Es gibt kein Geheimnis, das die Zeit nicht enthüllen würde.There are no secrets that time does not reveal.This sentence uses enthüllen to describe how time reveals secrets.Tatoeba #13949174 by Waldelfe, translation #6818584 by Adelpa
- Durch die Vermessung der Gravitations- und Magnetfelder von Jupiter wird Juno die innere Struktur des Planeten enthüllen und die Masse des Kerns bestimmen.By mapping Jupiter's gravitational and magnetic fields, Juno will reveal the planet's interior structure and measure the mass of the core.This sentence illustrates how a scientific mission will reveal the interior structure of a planet using enthüllen.Tatoeba #5253843 by Tamy, translation #5253782 by Hybrid
- Der Künstler enthüllt sein neuestes GemäldeThe artist reveals his latest painting.
- Der Forscher offenbart seine bahnbrechenden ErgebnisseThe researcher reveals his groundbreaking findings.
- Der Juwelier zeigt seine neueste KollektionThe jeweler reveals his latest collection.
- Sie gibt ihr Geheimnis preisShe reveals her secret.
- Der Journalist bringt die Wahrheit ans LichtThe journalist reveals the truth.
- Kannst du mir das Geheimnis verraten?Can you reveal the secret to me?
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are at an art gallery opening.
- FelixWann werden sie das Kunstwerk enthüllen?When will they reveal the artwork?
- HannahIch glaube, in zehn Minuten, Felix.I think in ten minutes, Felix.
- FelixIch bin schon sehr gespannt darauf.I am already very excited about it.
- HannahWir müssen es jetzt endlich enthüllen!We finally have to reveal it now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reveal” translations and entries enthüllen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enthüllen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
