German Separable Verbs

Separable verbs are verbs that split into two parts in a sentence. The prefix moves to the end of the sentence in main clauses.

Common Separable Prefixes

These prefixes often form separable verbs in German.

Common Mistakes

Separable verbs are often confusing at the beginning.

• Forgetting to move the prefix to the end.
• Splitting inseparable verbs incorrectly.
• Placing the prefix in the wrong position in questions.
• Using base verb meaning instead of full separable meaning.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before using a separable verb, check the structure.

• Is the verb separable or inseparable?
• Where does the prefix go in this sentence?
• Is this a statement, question, or command?
• What is the meaning of the full verb?
• Is the verb correctly split?

• The verb is split into prefix + base verb.
• The base verb is conjugated and stays in position 2.
• The prefix moves to the end of the sentence.
• In questions, the structure still applies.

How Separable Verbs Work

In main clauses, the prefix splits from the verb and moves to the end of the sentence.

What Are Separable Verbs?

Separable verbs consist of a base verb and a prefix. In certain sentences, the prefix separates and moves to the end.

Separable Verbs in Commands

In commands, the prefix also moves to the end.

Example Sentences

Example Sentences

Separable Verbs in Questions

In questions, the verb still splits, but word order changes.

Meaning Changes with Prefixes

Prefixes can significantly change the meaning of the base verb.

Important Note

Not all prefix verbs are separable. Some prefixes (like be-, ver-, ge-, er-) are inseparable and never split.