Looking up...
To disappear or vanish, often suddenly or mysteriously.
Der Dieb verschwand im Dunkeln.
The thief disappeared into the darkness.
Meine Geduld verschwindet langsam.
My patience is slowly disappearing.
Often used for objects, people, or abstract concepts that vanish without explanation.
To fade away or diminish gradually.
Die Sonne verschwand hinter den Wolken.
The sun disappeared behind the clouds.
Can describe gradual disappearance, not just sudden vanishing.
Use 'verschwinden' for both sudden and gradual disappearances.
'Verschwinden' is always used reflexively (e.g., 'Ich verschwinde').
From Middle High German 'verswinden', from 'ver-' (intensive prefix) + 'swinden' (to shrink, diminish).
Can be used both literally (physical disappearance) and figuratively (e.g., 'die Geduld verschwindet' = patience is fading).