verschwinden

/fɛɐ̯ˈʃvɪndn̩/
to disappear

Das Geld ist einfach verschwunden.

The money just disappeared.


general

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.

general

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.

Collocations

spurlos verschwindento disappear without a traceplötzlich verschwindento disappear suddenlyaus dem Blick verschwindento disappear from view

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'verschwinden' for both sudden and gradual disappearances.

Gold Rule

Reflexive Use

'Verschwinden' is always used reflexively (e.g., 'Ich verschwinde').

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'verswinden', from 'ver-' (intensive prefix) + 'swinden' (to shrink, diminish).

Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (physical disappearance) and figuratively (e.g., 'die Geduld verschwindet' = patience is fading).

Word Breakdown

ver-
intensive prefix
prefix
+
-schwind-
to shrink, diminish
root
+
-en
verb ending
suffix
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch