Separable Verbs

Level 2

Separable verbs consist of a prefix and a base verb. In a standard sentence, the prefix 'splits' from the verb and jumps to the very end, creating a 'sentence bracket'.

How It Works

Separable verbs are a unique feature of German. They follow these core rules:

1. The Sentence Bracket: In a main clause, the verb is conjugated in the second position, but the prefix moves to the end of the clause. This creates the Satzklammer (sentence bracket). Note that certain elements, like comparisons with als, can sometimes follow the prefix in the 'Nachfeld'.

2. Stress: You can identify a separable verb because the stress is always on the prefix (e.g., ANrufen, AUFstehen). If the stress is on the root, the verb is usually an inseparable verb.

3. Subordinate Clauses: In subordinate clauses, the prefix and verb stay together at the end. However, in compound tenses like the Perfekt, the conjugated auxiliary verb (haben/sein) follows the separable verb (e.g., '...weil ich aufgestanden bin').

4. Past Participles: The '-ge-' marker is sandwiched between the prefix and the verb (e.g., auf-ge-standen).

5. Infinitive with Zu: When using an Infinitive with Zu, the 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the base verb (e.g., 'Es ist Zeit, aufzustehen').

6. Dual-Nature Verbs: Some verbs can be either separable or inseparable depending on their meaning (e.g., 'umfahren' can mean 'to knock over' or 'to drive around').

Examples (5)

  1. Ich rufe dich morgen an.

    I will call you tomorrow.

    Word by Word: I call you tomorrow at.

    The verb is 'anrufen'. 'Rufe' stays in the second position, and 'an' moves to the end.

  2. Er macht die Tür auf.

    He opens the door.

    Word by Word: He makes the door open.

    The verb is 'aufmachen'. The prefix 'auf' moves to the end of the sentence.

  3. Wir kaufen heute im Supermarkt ein.

    We are shopping at the supermarket today.

    Word by Word: We buy today in the supermarket in.

    The verb is 'einkaufen'. Even with long sentences, the prefix 'ein' must go to the very end.

  4. Ich muss dich morgen anrufen.

    I have to call you tomorrow.

    Word by Word: I must you tomorrow at-call.

    When used with a modal verb, the separable verb stays together at the end in its infinitive form.

  5. Sie ist um sechs Uhr aufgestanden.

    She got up at six o'clock.

    Word by Word: She is at six clock up-ge-stood.

    In the past tense, '-ge-' is placed between the prefix 'auf' and the root 'stehen'.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to move the prefix to the end of the sentence.

    Ich anrufe meine Mutter.
    Ich rufe meine Mutter an.

    In a main clause, the prefix must always detach and move to the final position.

  • Separating the verb in a subordinate clause.

    ...weil ich stehe früh auf.
    ...weil ich früh aufstehe.

    In subordinate clauses (like those starting with 'weil'), the verb does not split; it stays together at the end.

  • Placing 'ge-' at the front of the past participle.

    Ich habe geaufmacht.
    Ich habe aufgemacht.

    For separable verbs, the 'ge-' must go between the prefix and the base verb.

How It Connects

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Separable VerbsLevel 2

Learn This First

To learn separable verbs, you must first be comfortable conjugating regular verbs in the present tense. You also need a solid understanding of German word order, specifically the Verb-Second (V2) rule, as the prefix separates from the main verb and travels to the very end of the sentence, creating a 'verb bracket'.

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Patterns that build on this one.