das Stillschweigen
Translation
silence, reticence, taciturnity
Examples
Er hüllte sich in Stillschweigen.
He wrapped himself in silence.
Das Stillschweigen wurde als Zustimmung gewertet.
The silence was interpreted as consent.
Grammar Patterns
to maintain silence Stillschweigen bewahren The accused maintained his silence.
to wrap oneself in silence sich in Stillschweigen hüllen He wrapped himself in silence.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Schweigen, Verschwiegenheit; Antonyms: Reden, Gespräch
Etymology
From 'still' (quiet) and 'schweigen' (to be silent). Literally 'quiet silence'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone in a court case who remains 'still' and 'silent' ('schweigt').