Geheimnisträger
The German phrase for secret keeper is Geheimnisträger.
Geheimnisträger refers to a person who is trusted with a secret and is expected to keep it hidden from others. This term is often used in a more formal or literary sense than simply saying someone 'knows a secret'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is created by adding the suffix -in to the stem, resulting in Geheimnisträgerin. The plural form is identical to the masculine singular form, Geheimnisträger.
Did you know?
- In professional or government contexts, a Geheimnisträger is not just a trusted friend but a legal status. If someone with this status leaks information, they can be prosecuted under specific state secrecy laws.
- While Geheimnisträger is a noun, German uses the verb beichten to describe the act of finally telling a secret, which literally means 'to confess' as one would in a church.
- The word Geheimnis shares a root with the English word 'ken' in the sense of 'knowledge' or 'range of sight', both deriving from an ancient Indo-European root meaning 'to know'.
Examples in context
- Natürlich! Ich bin ein Vertrauter.Of course! I am a confidant.
- Er ist ein loyaler Geheimnisträger.He is a loyal secret keeper.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are talking about a mutual friend's reliability.
- LauraKannst du ihm vertrauen?Can you trust him?
- JulianJa, er ist ein guter Geheimnisträger.Yes, he is a good secret keeper.
- LauraDas beruhigt mich sehr.That reassures me a lot.
- JulianKeine Sorge, er schweigt bestimmt.Don't worry, he will surely stay silent.
