umhüllte

Umhüllen is a German verb meaning to envelop, wrap around, or encase something or someone completely. It can refer to physically surrounding with an outer layer, such as fog, clothing, or a cover, but it is also used figuratively to describe atmosphere, mood, or emotion that surrounds a scene or person.

Etymology and usage notes: The verb is formed with the prefix um- added to hüllen (to wrap or cover). The prefix emphasizes surrounding from all sides. It is related to other covering terms such as einhüllen (to wrap up) and umgeben (to surround). Umhüllen is transitive and can be used with the prefix separated in finite tenses (Der Nebel hüllt den See um) or in fixed expressions where the object is described as being umhüllt (Der See ist von Nebel umhüllt).

Conjugation and forms: The verb behaves as a regular weak verb. Infinitiv: umhüllen; Partizip II: umhüllt; Präteritum (simple past): umhüllte; 3. Person singular Präteritum: er/sie/es umhüllte. The passive or adjectival use is common: Der See ist von Nebel umhüllt. Hüllen kann auch in a narrative Präteritum verwendet werden: Der Mantel hüllte ihn um.

Usage and examples: Physically, “Der Nebel hüllt den See ein” or “Der Nebel hüllt den See in Stille” are typical. Figurativ kann man sagen: “Eine geheimnisvolle Stille hüllte die Stadt um.” In descriptive prose, umhüllen often conveys a sense of total immersion or complete surrounding.

See also: hüllen, einhüllen, umgeben.