decken

Definition & meaning

The verb decken is a versatile German word with several distinct meanings depending on the context:

1. To cover: This is the most literal meaning, referring to placing something over an object to protect or hide it. For example, covering a pool or a floor.
2. To set (the table): In a domestic context, "den Tisch decken" means to prepare the table with plates, cutlery, and glasses for a meal.
3. To meet or satisfy: Often used in financial or logistical contexts, such as "Kosten decken" (to cover costs) or "den Bedarf decken" (to meet a demand/need).
4. To protect or provide cover: In sports (like football) or military contexts, it means to mark an opponent or provide physical protection/cover for someone.
5. To coincide or be identical: Used reflexively as "sich decken," it means that two things (like opinions, interests, or shapes) are congruent or identical.
6. To mate: In biology, it refers to the act of a male animal mating with a female.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• Verb type: Weak (regular) verb.
• Principal parts: decken (infinitive), deckte (simple past), hat gedeckt (past participle).
• Reflexive use: "sich decken" (to coincide).

Word origin: The word comes from the Middle High German decken and the Old High German decchen. It is etymologically related to the German noun das Dach ↗ (roof) and is a cognate of the English word "thatch" and "deck." The core concept involves the idea of a roof or a protective layer.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• bedecken ↗: To cover up or overspread something.
• überziehen ↗: To pull a cover over something.
• schützen ↗: To protect (in the sense of providing cover).
• befriedigen ↗: To satisfy (needs or demands).
• übereinstimmen ↗: To agree or coincide (used as a synonym for "sich decken").

Antonyms:

• abdecken ↗: To uncover or remove a cover.
• aufdecken ↗: To reveal or uncover (often used for secrets or clearing a table).
• entblößen ↗: To expose or make bare.
• abweichen ↗: To deviate or differ (antonym for "sich decken").