German word

offenbaren

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔfn̩ˈbaːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbreveal

Example

Die Untersuchung offenbart den Fehler.

The investigation reveals the error.

Illustration for offenbaren (reveal)

More examples

Das Interview offenbart seine wahren Absichten.

The interview reveals his true intentions.

Core concept

A hidden fact, motive, or feeling brought out from concealment.

Common phrases

  • seine Absichten offenbaren

    reveal his intentions

  • private Details offenbaren

    reveal private details

Similar words

zeigen: Presents something so it can be seen or understood.
enthüllen: Brings long-hidden information or a secret into public view.
aufdecken: Finds and exposes a hidden fact or wrongdoing.
offenlegen: Formally makes internal documents or evidence public.

Definition in German

etwas, das verborgen oder unbekannt ist, sichtbar oder allgemein bekannt machen.

Word origin

Middle High German offenbāren is a verb formed from offenbar ('evident'), whose elements are offen ('open') and -bar ('able to be').

Usage tips

  • Sich offenbaren means revealing one's own thoughts or feelings, while jemandem etwas offenbaren means revealing something to someone.

Other meanings

  • exposeverb
  • make publicverb

Opposites

  • verheimlichenconcealverb

Related words

  • Offenbarungrevelationnoun
  • offenbarobviousadjective

Word lists with this word