Introduction
In German, some verbs are made up of a prefix and a verb stem. These verbs can be either separable or inseparable, depending on the prefix. The prefix affects how the verb is conjugated in different tenses and how it interacts with other sentence elements.
Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben)
Separable verbs have a prefix that detaches from the verb in the present and imperative tenses. In sentences, the prefix usually goes to the end of the sentence.
Common Separable Verb Prefixes
| Prefix |
Meaning |
| ab- | off, away |
| an- | on, at, to |
| auf- | up, open |
| aus- | out, from |
| ein- | in, into |
| mit- | with |
| vor- | before, in front of |
| weg- | away |
| zu- | closed, to |
| zurück- | back |
Examples of Separable Verbs
1. Ich stehe früh auf. (I get up early.)
2. Er ruft seinen Freund an. (He calls his friend.)
3. Wir machen die Tür auf. (We open the door.)
4. Sie bringt das Buch mit. (She brings the book with her.)
5. Ich fahre morgen weg. (I will leave tomorrow.)
Inseparable Verbs (Untrennbare Verben)
Inseparable verbs have a prefix that never detaches from the verb. The prefix remains attached in all tenses and does not move to the end of the sentence.
Common Inseparable Verb Prefixes
| Prefix |
Meaning |
| be- | focuses on the object |
| emp- | beginning of an action |
| ent- | away from |
| er- | completion |
| ge- | result or completion |
| miss- | something is wrong |
| ver- | wrong or negative result |
| zer- | destruction or breaking |
Examples of Inseparable Verbs
1. Ich besuche meine Großeltern. (I visit my grandparents.)
2. Er erklärt das Problem. (He explains the problem.)
3. Wir vergessen die Hausaufgaben. (We forget the homework.)
4. Sie zerstört die Vase. (She destroys the vase.)
5. Der Kuchen misslingt. (The cake fails.)
Additional Notes
When working with separable verbs, the prefix always moves to the end of the sentence in the present tense and imperative. In contrast, with inseparable verbs, the prefix always stays attached to the verb in all tenses and sentence structures.