Geheimnissen

Geheimnissen is the plural of Geheimnis in German, meaning secrets or mysteries. It denotes information kept hidden, not yet disclosed, or unknown to some people. The term covers personal confidences, corporate or state secrets, and also unresolved or enigmatic phenomena described as mysteries.

Etymology and usage: Geheimnis is formed with the abstract-noun suffix -nis from the idea of concealment. The plural Geheimnisse refers to multiple secrets or mysteries and is used in everyday language as well as in literature and journalism.

Cultural and legal aspects: In culture, Geheimnisse are common plot devices, symbols of trust or treachery, and objects of revelation. In law and policy, secrecy is governed by terms such as Geheimhaltung (confidentiality), Datenschutz (data protection), and Geschäftsgeheimnisse (trade secrets). Unauthorized disclosure can constitute offences such as Geheimnisverrat in some legal systems, while legitimate disclosures may be protected or required under whistleblower protections.

See also: Geheimhaltung, Datenschutz, Privatsphäre, Geschäftsgeheimnis, Geheimnis.