vorzutäuschen

Vorzutäuschen is a German verb meaning to feign or pretend something that is not true, in order to make others believe it. The term is formed from vor- (a prefix suggesting beforehand or forward) and täuschen (to deceive). The corresponding noun is das Vortäuschen, referring to the act of feigning.

Usage and meaning

Vorzutäuschen describes deliberate deception about a state, quality, or circumstance. It is used for situations in which someone presents a false impression as if it were real. Common contexts include pretending to be ill, pretending to possess a skill, or simulating an emotion. The expression can be paired with an infinitive clause, for example to illustrate what is being feigned, or used in a clause with als ob to contrast with reality. Example sentences: Er hat vorgetäuscht, krank zu sein. Die Firma hat vorgetäuscht, bessere Ergebnisse zu liefern. In everyday language it is often contrasted with vorzugeben, which implies a claimed rather than a proven deception.

Synonyms and distinctions

Synonyms include simulieren and vorspielen; vorzugeben is a closely related term, but it emphasizes presenting a claim rather than actual deception about a state. Antonyms are genuin sein or ehrlich sein, meaning that something is real or truthfully presented. The act of vorzutäuschen is generally viewed negatively, especially in legal, ethical, or professional contexts.

See also

Vortäuschen (noun), Täuschung. The concept appears in psychology, law, journalism, and everyday communication when discussing mendacious appearances versus reality.