German word

unsichtbar

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnzɪçtbaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinvisible

Example

Er hat ein unsichtbares Mikrofon.

He has an invisible microphone.

Illustration for unsichtbar (invisible)

More examples

Durch den dichten Nebel war das Ufer für mich unsichtbar.

Because of the dense fog, the shore was invisible to me.

Core concept

Something is present but leaves no visual trace, whether hidden from sight or unnoticed in the surrounding scene.

Common phrases

  • für das Auge unsichtbar

    invisible to the eye

  • unsichtbare Tinte

    invisible ink

  • praktisch unsichtbar

    practically invisible

Similar words

sichtbar: Able to be seen and visually confirmed.

Definition in German

Nicht sichtbar für das Auge; mit bloßem Blick nicht zu erkennen.

Word origin

The adjective combines the negating prefix "un-" with "sichtbar" and ultimately relates to the verb "sehen", meaning not visible.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, "unsichtbar" takes normal endings, as in "ein unsichtbares Mikrofon", but it stays unchanged after "sein".

Other meanings

  • unseenadjective

Opposites

  • sichtbarvisibleadjective
  • wahrnehmbarperceptibleadjective

Related words

  • Unsichtbarkeitinvisibilitynoun

Word lists with this word