abdunkeln

Abdunkeln is a German verb meaning to darken or dim something by reducing light, and also to obscure or conceal information or truths. The term is formed from dunkel (dark) with the separable prefix ab-, indicating removal or reduction of light. In everyday language abdunkeln is used for literal shading: den Raum abdunkeln (to darken the room), das Licht abdunkeln (to dim the lights), or die Bühne abdunkeln (to darken the stage). It can also apply to screens or displays, for example den Monitor abdunkeln.

Figuratively, abdunkeln can mean to withhold, obscure, or suppress information from the public, or to cloud a topic. For instance, Die Behörden wollen die Informationen abdunkeln. The word is common in journalism, politics, and informal speech when transparency is at issue.

Abdunkeln is related to verdunkeln, which more often implies complete darkness or concealment and may carry a stronger sense of secrecy or illegibility. Abdunkeln often suggests partial or controlled dimming.

Grammatically, abdunkeln is a separable-prefix verb: ich dunkle den Raum ab; du dunkelst den Raum ab; er dunkelt den Raum ab (present). The perfect form is abgedunkelt (Ich habe den Raum abgedunkelt).

See also: Verdunkeln, Dimmen.