enthüllen

Enthüllen is a German verb meaning to reveal or uncover something that was hidden. It can refer to making information or secrets known (for example, a truth or a report) as well as to physically unveiling an object (such as a statue or artwork). The construction is typically with a direct object: jemandem etwas enthüllen or etwas enthüllen. The perfect tense uses hat enthüllt, for example: Der Bericht hat neue Details enthüllt.

Etymology and usage. The word is formed from ent- plus Hülle, the noun for a wrap or cover, implying the removal of a cover to expose what lies beneath. In usage, enthüllen often carries a neutral to formal tone. It is related to but distinct from synonyms such as offenlegen (to disclose more formally), aufdecken (to uncover, with a sense of uncovering something hidden), or offenbaren (to reveal more openly or explicitly). Enthüllen is commonly used in journalism, science, and intelligence contexts, as well as in art and ceremonies.

Noun form and related terms. The noun corresponding to the verb is Enthüllung, meaning a revelation or unveiling. An event such as a statue or painting being unveiled is described as eine Enthüllung, for example: Die Enthüllung der Statue zog viele Besucher an. Related phrases include offenlegen, offenbaren, and aufdecken, which emphasize different nuances of making something known or visible.

In sum, enthüllen denotes the act of bringing something hidden into view, whether information, secrets, or a physical object, with the corresponding noun Enthüllung used for the unveiling event or the act of revealing.