German for Board Games: Talking About Hidden Information
Learn to say 'Das ist verdeckte Information' and 'Ich darf das nicht verraten' in German board games with hidden roles or cards. Practice informal, strategic phrases for gameplay.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In many German board games, some information is hidden—secret roles, cards, or objectives. You need to talk about what you can and cannot reveal without spoiling the game. This lesson teaches you key phrases like 'Das ist verdeckte Information' and 'Ich darf das nicht verraten' so you can play smoothly in German. You'll also learn how to ask questions and respond naturally during a game.
By the end, you can…
- identify and name hidden information in a German board game.
- say that I am not allowed to reveal something.
- ask others if they are allowed to share information.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Das ist verdeckte Information.
That is hidden information.
dahs ist fer-DECK-tuh in-for-ma-tsi-OHN
Use when pointing out that something is secret and should not be shared.
Ich darf das nicht verraten.
I am not allowed to reveal that.
ikh dahrf dahs nikht fer-RAH-ten
Say this when you cannot disclose a secret role or card.
Darfst du das verraten?
Are you allowed to reveal that?
dahrfst doo dahs fer-RAH-ten
Ask another player if they can share information.
Das bleibt geheim.
That stays secret.
dahs blibe guh-HIME
Use to emphasize that something must remain hidden.
Ich auch nicht.
Me neither.
ikh owkh nikht
Respond when someone says they cannot reveal something, meaning you also cannot.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To talk about permission, use 'dürfen' (may, be allowed to). For example: 'Ich darf das nicht verraten' (I am not allowed to reveal that). 'Darfst du das verraten?' (Are you allowed to reveal that?). The verb 'dürfen' changes form: ich darf, du darfst, er/sie/es darf. Use 'nicht' to negate. This pattern is essential for discussing what is allowed in the game.
When to use it
Use these phrases during a game when hidden information is involved. For instance, if someone asks about your role, you can say 'Ich darf das nicht verraten.' If you see someone about to reveal a secret card, you might say 'Das ist verdeckte Information.' To ask if someone can share, say 'Darfst du das verraten?' These phrases keep the game fair and fun.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Was ist deine Rolle?
What is your role?vahs ist DYE-nuh ROL-luhDas ist verdeckte Information. Ich darf das nicht verraten.
That is hidden information. I am not allowed to reveal that.dahs ist fer-DECK-tuh in-for-ma-tsi-OHN. ikh dahrf dahs nikht fer-RAH-tenVerstehe. Darfst du mir einen Tipp geben?
I see. Can you give me a hint?fer-SHTAY-uh. dahrfst doo meer EYE-nen tip GAY-benNein, das bleibt geheim. Ich auch nicht.
No, that stays secret. Me neither.nine, dahs blibe guh-HIME. ikh owkh nikhtA little context goes a long way
In German board game culture, players often use direct phrases like 'Ich darf das nicht verraten' without sounding rude. It's common to ask 'Darfst du das verraten?' to check if someone can share. The informal 'du' is standard among friends and fellow players. In more formal settings, use 'Sie' and 'Dürfen Sie das verraten?'
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Ich kann das nicht verraten' to mean 'I am not allowed to reveal that.'
Try this instead: 'Können' means 'can' (ability), while 'dürfen' means 'may' (permission). For permission, say 'Ich darf das nicht verraten.' Use 'können' for ability: 'Ich kann das nicht verraten' means 'I cannot reveal that' (e.g., because you don't know).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'That is hidden information' in German?
Show a sample answer
Das ist verdeckte Information.
This phrase directly states that something is hidden. It's a common way to point out secret information in a game.
2What do you say if you are not allowed to reveal something?
Show a sample answer
Ich darf das nicht verraten.
This uses 'dürfen' to express permission. It clearly communicates that you cannot share the information.
3How do you ask another player if they are allowed to reveal something?
Show a sample answer
Darfst du das verraten?
This question uses the du-form of 'dürfen' to ask about permission. It's informal and suitable for friends.
Use 'Das ist verdeckte Information' to point out secrets and 'Ich darf das nicht verraten' to say you can't reveal them. Ask 'Darfst du das verraten?' to check if others can share. These phrases keep your German board game fair and fun.
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