German word

enthüllen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈhʏlən/

Meaning

  • verbreveal

Example

Die Zeitung enthüllte den Skandal.

The newspaper revealed the scandal.

Illustration for enthüllen (reveal)

More examples

Die Dokumente enthüllten den systematischen Betrug.

The documents revealed the systematic fraud.

Core concept

A hidden truth is stripped of its covering and placed where everyone can see it, especially through public reporting.

Common phrases

  • die Wahrheit enthüllen

    reveal the truth

  • ein Geheimnis enthüllen

    reveal a secret

  • einen Betrug enthüllen

    reveal a fraud

Similar words

aufdecken: Finding hidden wrongdoing or problems and revealing them.
entlarven: Showing that a person or appearance is deceptive.
offenbaren: Disclosing a hidden truth or fact to the public.
preisgeben: Passing private information or a secret to outsiders.

Definition in German

etw. öffentlich machen, oft etwas Negatives oder Geheimes

Word origin

The verb is formed from German hüllen, "to cover," with the separable-looking but inseparable prefix ent-, "away" or "off."

Usage tips

  • The past participle is "enthüllt," not "geenthüllt," because verbs beginning with ent- do not take ge-.

Other meanings

  • exposeverb
  • discloseverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word