Prefix separates in main clauses
Separable verbs (trennbare Verben) are compound verbs formed by adding a prefix to a base verb. In main clauses, the prefix detaches and moves to the very end of the sentence, while the conjugated verb stays in second position. This split is one of the most characteristic features of German grammar and applies to everyday verbs like aufmachen (to open), anrufen (to call), and aufstehen (to get up).
What are separable verbs?
A separable verb consists of a base verb plus a stressed prefix (e.g. auf-, an-, ab-, mit-, ein-, aus-, zu-, nach-). The prefix changes or specifies the meaning of the base verb. For example, 'gehen' means 'to go', but 'ausgehen' means 'to go out'. You can recognise a separable verb in the dictionary because the prefix is listed as part of the infinitive form.
Prefix moves to the end in main clauses
In a main clause (Hauptsatz), the conjugated verb stays in second position (V2 word order) and the prefix separates and goes to the very end of the sentence. Nothing can follow the prefix — it is always the last element.
With modal verbs, the prefix stays attached
When a separable verb is used with a modal verb (können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, mögen), the separable verb appears as a complete infinitive at the end of the sentence. The prefix does NOT separate — it stays joined to the infinitive.
Perfekt: -ge- is inserted between prefix and stem
In the Perfekt tense, the past participle (Partizip II) of a separable verb is formed by inserting -ge- between the prefix and the verb stem. The structure is: prefix + ge + verb stem (+ -t for weak verbs or irregular ending). The whole Partizip II goes to the end of the sentence.
Common separable prefixes and their meanings
Each separable prefix tends to add a specific directional or aspectual meaning to the base verb. Learning the meaning of each prefix helps you guess the meaning of new separable verbs. The most important prefixes at A1 level are: auf- (up/open), ab- (off/away/down), an- (on/at), mit- (together/along), ein- (in/into), aus- (out), zu- (closed/towards), nach- (after/following).
| Prefix | General meaning | Example verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| auf- | up / open | aufmachen | to open |
| ab- | off / away / down | abholen | to pick up |
| an- | on / at / beginning | anrufen | to call (phone) |
| mit- | together / along | mitkommen | to come along |
| ein- | in / into | einladen | to invite |
| aus- | out / outward | ausgehen | to go out |
| zu- | closed / towards | zumachen | to close |
| nach- | after / following | nachfragen | to follow up / ask again |
| Infinitive | Präsens (ich) | Partizip II | Auxiliary |
|---|---|---|---|
| aufmachen | mache auf | aufgemacht | haben |
| anrufen | rufe an | angerufen | haben |
| abholen | hole ab | abgeholt | haben |
| aufstehen | stehe auf | aufgestanden | sein |
| ausgehen | gehe aus | ausgegangen | sein |
| ankommen | komme an | angekommen | sein |
| einladen | lade ein | eingeladen | haben |
| aufräumen | räume auf | aufgeräumt | haben |
Ich mache die Tür auf.
I open the door.
Er ruft seinen Freund an.
He calls his friend.
Wir holen dich um 9 Uhr ab.
We pick you up at 9 o'clock.
Sie steht jeden Morgen um 6 Uhr auf.
She gets up every morning at 6 o'clock.
Ich lade meine Freunde ein.
I invite my friends.
Kommst du mit?
Are you coming along?
Ich kann das Fenster nicht zumachen.
I can't close the window.
Der Zug kommt um 10 Uhr an.
The train arrives at 10 o'clock.
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