Separable Verbs

Separable verbs attach a prefix that jumps to the sentence end in main clauses, and that tweaking changes meaning and emphasis. This guide drills how to spot, split, and use them.

Key Prefixes

Common separable prefixes each add a twist of meaning; learning a handful helps you predict and interpret verbs you hear and read. Prefixes like ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, and ein- appear in everyday actions.

German Prefix	English Hint
ab-	off, away
an-	on, to start
auf-	up, open
aus-	out, finish
ein-	in, insert

German Example	English Translation
☀️ Ich stehe um sieben auf.	I get up at seven.
🚪 Sie macht die Tür zu.	She closes the door.
🚌 Wir steigen an der Haltestelle ein.	We get on at the stop.
🗑️ Er kommt später wieder hin.	He comes back later.
📬 Ich hole die Post ab.	I pick up the mail.
🕒 Das Meeting fängt um neun an.	The meeting starts at nine.
🧹 Sie räumt das Zimmer auf.	She tidies up the room.

How They Separate

In a main clause the prefix moves to the sentence end and the base verb stays at the front, so the verbal idea is split but still clear. In subordinate clauses and infinitive forms the verb stays together as one unit.

Usage

Separable verbs show up in scheduling, describing actions, and giving directions; using them naturally makes speech and writing sound precise and fluent. Practice switching the prefix out and notice how the meaning changes.

Examples

German Example	English Translation
☀️ Ich stehe früh auf und gehe joggen.	I get up early and go jogging.
🥪 Er macht das Pausenbrot unterwegs fertig.	He prepares the snack on the way.
🧴 Sie zieht sich vor dem Treffen um.	She changes clothes before the meeting.
📱 Ich rufe dich später noch mal an.	I’ll call you again later.
🗑️ Wir räumen nach der Party die Straßen auf.	We clean up the streets after the party.

Inseparable Verbs

Inseparable verbs keep their prefix attached in all forms and normally come with prefixes like be-, ver-, ent-, zer-, and er-. These do not split and they often change the verb's meaning in more subtle ways.

German Prefix	English Hint
be-	to make / affect
ver-	change / mistake
ent-	remove / begin
zer-	destroy / break
er-	completion / achievement

German Example	English Translation
📝 Ich überarbeite heute den Bericht.	I’m revising the report today.
🔄 Sie organisiert die Abläufe neu.	She reorganizes the processes.
📢 Der Chef informiert alle Mitarbeiter.	The boss informs all employees.
💡 Wir entdecken neue Möglichkeiten.	We discover new opportunities.
🧾 Er bezahlt die Rechnung online.	He pays the bill online.

Double Verbs

Some verbs have prefixes that look similar but behave differently, and a few verbs can be both separable and inseparable with different meanings; context and dictionary notes help tell them apart. When in doubt, test whether the prefix moves in a sentence.

German Example	English Translation
⏰ Ich fange gleich mit der Arbeit an.	I’m starting work right away.
🛠️ Sie sieht die Probleme und packt sie an.	She sees the problems and tackles them.
📧 Er hat gestern viele Mails abgearbeitet.	He processed many emails yesterday.
🧑‍🏫 Wir lernen, wie man neue Projekte aufsetzt.	We are learning how to set up new projects.
🗂️ Sie sortiert die Akten und legt sie ab.	She sorts the files and files them away.

Summary

Separable verbs split their prefix to the end in main clauses, changing meaning in predictable ways; learn common prefixes, practice sentences aloud, and contrast with inseparable verbs to internalize the pattern.

Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025