Separable Verbs
Separable verbs (scheidbare werkwoorden) consist of a prefix and a base verb. In a main clause, the prefix moves to the end of the sentence, while the base verb stays in the second position.
How It Works
Separable verbs are a unique feature of Dutch. They are formed by combining a prefix with a base verb. These prefixes are often prepositions (op, uit, mee), but can also be adverbs (terug), adjectives (schoon), or even nouns.
1. Word Order in Main Clauses:
In a standard main clause, the base verb is conjugated and placed in the second position, while the prefix is placed at the end of the clause. This splitting rule applies to both the present tense and the simple past tense.
Example: Ik bel je morgen op.
2. The Imperative:
When giving a command using the imperative, the verb also splits.
Example: Pak je jas in! (Pack your coat!)
3. Modal Verbs:
When paired with a modal verb (like willen or kunnen), the separable verb does not split and stays as a full infinitive at the end.
Example: Ik wil je opbellen.
4. Separable vs. Inseparable:
To become proficient in identifying these, remember that certain prefixes are always inseparable: be-, ge-, her-, er-, ont-, and ver-. These never split from the verb. For other prefixes, the stress determines the type: if the emphasis is on the prefix, it splits. For example, vóórkomen (to occur) is separable, but voorkómen (to prevent) is an inseparable verb.
5. Past Participles:
When forming the perfect tense, the prefix ge- is placed between the separable prefix and the base verb.
Example: opbellen → opgebeld.
6. Infinitives with 'te':
In a te + infinitive construction, the word te is placed between the prefix and the verb.
Example: Het is leuk om mee te doen.
7. Subordinate Clauses:
In a subordinate clause, the verb parts rejoin at the end if it is the only verb (...omdat ik opsta). However, if there is an auxiliary verb, the prefix can split from the infinitive (...dat ik je op wil bellen).
Examples (6)
- Ik sta elke dag om zeven uur op.
I get up at seven o'clock every day.
Word by Word: I stand every day at seven hour up.
The verb is 'opstaan'. In a main clause, 'sta' stays in the second position and 'op' goes to the end.
- Bel me morgen even op!
Give me a call tomorrow!
Word by Word: Call me tomorrow just up!
In the imperative (command form), the verb also splits, with the prefix moving to the end.
- Gisteren belde hij zijn moeder op.
Yesterday he called his mother.
Word by Word: Yesterday called he his mother up.
The splitting rule also applies to the simple past tense.
- Ik heb de hele middag schoongemaakt.
I have cleaned the whole afternoon.
Word by Word: I have the whole afternoon clean-made.
The verb is 'schoonmaken'. In the perfect tense, 'ge' is inserted: schoon-ge-maakt.
- Ik ben moe omdat ik elke dag vroeg opsta.
I am tired because I get up early every day.
Word by Word: I am tired because I every day early up-stand.
In a subordinate clause (starting with 'omdat'), the separable verb 'opsta' remains joined at the end.
- Ik wil je morgen opbellen.
I want to call you tomorrow.
Word by Word: I want you tomorrow up-call.
When used with a modal verb like 'willen', the separable verb remains as a full infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Common Mistakes
Keeping the verb together in a main clause (English influence).
Ik opbel mijn moeder.Ik bel mijn moeder op.In Dutch main clauses, the prefix must move to the end. You cannot keep 'opbel' together like 'call' in English.
Forgetting to split the verb in the simple past tense.
Hij opbelde zijn vriend.Hij belde zijn vriend op.Just like the present tense, the simple past (Imperfectum) requires the verb to split in main clauses.
Placing 'ge-' at the beginning of the past participle.
Ik heb de afwas geafwassen.Ik heb de afwas afgewassen.For separable verbs, the 'ge-' prefix must go between the separable part (af) and the base verb (wassen).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn separable verbs, you need to know how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense and understand basic Dutch word order, as the prefix moves to the very end of the main clause.
- Word Order Basics
Separable verbs change the sentence structure by moving the prefix to the end of the clause, so understanding basic word order is essential.
Foundations - -t/-en Endings
The verb part of a separable verb follows standard conjugation rules in the present tense while the prefix is detached.
Level 1 - Finding the Verb Stem
To conjugate a separable verb, you must first identify the stem of the base verb after removing the prefix.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Separable Verb Word Order
Focuses specifically on where the prefix lands in complex sentences.
Level 2 - Inseparable Verbs
The opposite of separable verbs; these prefixes never split from the base.
Level 2 - Participles of Separable Verbs
Detailed rules for forming past participles with separable verbs.
Level 2 - Te Inside a Separable Verb
Explains how 'te' is placed inside the verb structure.
Level 3 - SOV in Subordinate Clauses
Explains why separable verbs rejoin at the end of a subclause.
Level 3 - hebben + Past ParticiplePerfect Tense with Hebben
Separable verbs are frequently used in the perfect tense.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Separable Verbs in Bubblegum
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