Separable Verbs
Separable verbs (trennbare Verben) have prefixes that separate from the verb in certain tenses, especially in present and simple past.
The prefix moves to the end of the sentence in main clauses, creating a unique word order pattern.
This lesson covers how to identify and use separable verbs in German.
Explanation
Common separable prefixes: ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, nach-, vor-, zu-, zurück-.
In present tense, the prefix goes to the end: 'Ich stehe um sechs Uhr auf' (I get up at six o'clock) from 'aufstehen'.
In perfect tense, 'ge-' goes between prefix and verb: 'aufstehen' → 'aufgestanden' (got up).
In infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes between prefix and verb: 'anzufangen' (to begin) from 'anfangen'.
In subordinate clauses, the prefix stays with the verb: 'dass ich um sechs Uhr aufstehe' (that I get up at six).
Common Separable Verbs
| Infinitive | Present (ich) | Perfect | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| aufstehen | stehe auf | aufgestanden | to get up |
| anfangen | fange an | angefangen | to begin |
| ausgehen | gehe aus | ausgegangen | to go out |
| einkaufen | kaufe ein | eingekauft | to shop |
| mitkommen | komme mit | mitgekommen | to come along |
| nachdenken | denke nach | nachgedacht | to think about |
Examples
Ich stehe um sechs Uhr auf.
I get up at six o'clock.
Er fängt um acht Uhr an.
He begins at eight o'clock.
Wir gehen heute Abend aus.
We go out tonight.
Sie kauft im Supermarkt ein.
She shops in the supermarket.
Ich habe um sechs Uhr aufgestanden.
I got up at six o'clock.
Common Mistakes
Ich aufstehe
Ich stehe auf
In main clauses, the prefix goes to the end. 'Ich stehe auf', not 'Ich aufstehe'.
Ich habe aufgestanden
Ich habe aufgestanden
Actually correct! In perfect tense, 'ge-' goes between prefix and verb: 'aufgestanden'.
zu anfangen
anzufangen
With 'zu', it goes between prefix and verb: 'anzufangen', not 'zu anfangen'.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.