adjectiveverb

versteckt

hide · hidden

Etwas, das nicht leicht zu sehen oder zu finden ist, weil es absichtlich verborgen wurde.

Definition & meaning

versteckt means hidden, concealed, or not immediately visible. It describes something that has been placed or kept somewhere so that it cannot easily be found or seen.

Der Schlüssel ist versteckt. — The key is hidden.
Sie lebt in einem versteckten Dorf. — She lives in a hidden or secluded village.

It can also mean indirect, disguised, or not openly expressed:

Das war eine versteckte Kritik. — That was an indirect or veiled criticism.
Er verlangt versteckte Gebühren. — He charges hidden fees.

versteckt is also the past participle of verstecken, meaning to hide:

Er hat das Geschenk versteckt. — He hid the present.

Grammar & Word origin

versteckt can function as:

An adjective
It is declined according to the noun it describes:
- ein versteckter Ort — a hidden place
- eine versteckte Nachricht — a hidden message
- versteckte Informationen — hidden information
A past participle
It is the past participle of verstecken :
- Sie hat den Brief versteckt. — She hid the letter.
A finite verb form
It is also the third-person singular present-tense form of verstecken:
- Er versteckt die Wahrheit. — He hides the truth.

The word consists of the prefix ver- and stecken , meaning “to stick,” “to put,” or “to be located.” The prefix contributes the meaning of putting something out of sight or concealing it.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

verborgen — hidden or concealed; often somewhat more formal or literary than versteckt.
heimlich — secret or done without others knowing; it emphasizes secrecy rather than physical concealment.
verheimlicht — deliberately kept secret, especially information or facts.
verdeckt — covered, obscured, or concealed; it often suggests that something is physically covered or hidden from view.
getarnt — disguised or camouflaged; it emphasizes changing appearance to avoid recognition.

Antonyms

sichtbar — visible and able to be seen.
offen — open, exposed, or not concealed.
offensichtlich — obvious or clear.
enthüllt — revealed or uncovered; it is especially suitable for information or secrets.