German prefixes are small parts added to the beginning of verbs that change their meaning. They are essential for expressing different nuances and creating new words from basic verb roots. German prefixes fall into three main categories: separable, inseparable, and mixed. Each category has its own rules for meaning and placement within a sentence.
Types of Prefixes
German prefixes are divided into three main types based on their behavior in sentences:
- Separable prefixes: detach and move to the end of the sentence.
- Inseparable prefixes: remain attached to the verb.
- Mixed prefixes: can be either separable or inseparable depending on the verb.
| Type | Description | Example Prefixes | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separable | Prefix detaches in main clauses and moves to the sentence end. | ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, nach-, zu- | Ich stehe auf.* (I get up.) |
| Inseparable | Prefix remains attached; stress is on the verb stem. | be-, ent-, er-, ver-, zer- | Ich verstehe dich.* (I understand you.) |
| Mixed | Some verbs with these prefixes are inseparable, others separable; meaning changes accordingly. | be-, ent-, er-, ver- | Ich übersetze den Text. (inseparable: I translate.)<br>Ich setze mich über die Regeln hinweg.* (separable: I disregard the rules.) |
How Prefixes Change Meaning
Prefixes modify the base verb to create new meanings:
- ab-: away, off (abfahren = to depart)
- an-: at, on (ankommen = to arrive)
- auf-: up, open (aufstehen = to stand up)
- aus-: out (ausgehen = to go out)
- ein-: in (eintreten = to enter)
- mit-: with (mitkommen = to come along)
- nach-: after (nachmachen = to imitate)
- zu-: closed, to (zumachen = to close)
- be-: makes a verb transitive or changes meaning (bekommen = to receive)
- ent-: removal, beginning (entfernen = to remove)
- er-: achieving a result, beginning, or sometimes destruction (erreichen = to reach)
- ver-: various meanings like error, change, or intensification (vergessen = to forget)
- zer-: destruction or breaking apart (zerreißen = to tear apart)
Usage Rules
Main clause: simple past, or future, the behavior of the prefix can be observed clearly.
- Separable prefixes: Verb stems are in the second position; prefix moves to the end.
- Inseparable prefixes: Verb (with prefix) stays in the second position.
- Mixed prefixes: Follow separability or inseparability depending on the specific verb.
What happens to a separable prefix in a German main clause?
It moves to the end of the sentence.
Separable prefixes detach and move to the end of the sentence in main clauses.
Position in the Sentence
| Clause Type | Separable Prefix Verb | Inseparable Prefix Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Main Clause | Ich stehe auf.* (I get up.) | Ich verstehe dich.* (I understand you.) |
| Subordinate Clause | ..., weil ich aufstehe.* (because I get up) | ..., weil ich verstehe.* (because I understand) |
| Infinitive/Participle | aufstehen, aufgestanden* | verstehen, verstanden* |
How do inseparable prefix verbs appear in the past participle form?
The prefix remains attached (ge(verb)t), e.g., verstanden.
Inseparable prefix verbs keep the prefix attached in past participles, with no 'ge-' inserted, e.g., 'verstanden'.
Examples
| Prefix | Example Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ab- | abholen | to pick up | Ich hole dich ab.* (I’ll pick you up.) |
| an- | anfangen | to begin | Wir fangen an.* (We’re starting.) |
| auf- | aufmachen | to open | Mach das Fenster auf.* (Open the window.) |
| aus- | ausgehen | to go out | Wir gehen heute aus.* (We’re going out tonight.) |
| ein- | einladen | to invite | Ich lade dich ein.* (I invite you.) |
| mit- | mitkommen | to come along | Kommst du mit?* (Are you coming along?) |
| nach- | nachschlagen | to look up | Schlag das Wort nach.* (Look up the word.) |
| zu- | zumachen | to close | Mach die Tür zu.* (Close the door.) |
| be- | beachten | to pay attention to | Beachte die Regeln.* (Pay attention to the rules.) |
| ent- | entdecken | to discover | Ich entdecke etwas Neues.* (I discover something new.) |
| er- | erreichen | to reach | Ich erreiche das Ziel.* (I reach the goal.) |
| ver- | vergessen | to forget | Ich vergesse immer alles.* (I always forget everything.) |
| zer- | zerreißen | to tear apart | Das Papier zerreißt leicht.* (The paper tears easily.) |
Summary
German prefixes are vital for creating verb meanings. Separable prefixes detach in main clauses and move to the end, while inseparable prefixes remain attached. Mixed prefixes require memorization of individual verbs. Understanding prefixes allows you to interpret and form a wide range of verbs in German.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
