aufdecken

Aufdecken is a German verb that means to uncover, reveal, or disclose something that is hidden or covered. It can refer to removing a physical cover as well as to exposing information, facts, or wrongdoing. The term is widely used in everyday speech and in journalism, science, and law.

Etymology: It is a separable prefix verb formed from auf- (up, open) and decken (to cover). Its participle is aufgedeckt, and its nominal forms include das Aufdecken (the act of uncovering) and die Aufdeckung (the disclosure).

Typical uses: 1) Physical uncovering: Sie deckte den Topf auf. 2) Revealing information: Die Untersuchung deckt neue Zusammenhänge auf. 3) Exposing wrongdoing: Die Ermittler deckten Betrug auf. In each sense, aufdecken implies making something visible that was previously hidden or unknown.

Notes: In some contexts, synonyms such as enthüllen or offenlegen may be used, with subtle differences in tone; aufdecken kann eine Konnotation von formaler oder investigativer Enthüllung tragen. The verb is common in both spoken and written German.