Reference Guide
Separable Verbs in German
Master German separable verbs (trennbare Verben). Learn the rules, common prefixes, word order, and examples for A1–B1 learners.
What are separable verbs?
Separable verbs are German verbs with a prefix that separates from the main verb in the present and simple past. The prefix moves to the end of the sentence.
Example: anfangen (to begin)
- Infinitive: anfangen
- Present: Ich fange heute an. (not ich anfange heute)
- Past: Ich fing gestern an.
Common separable prefixes
| an- | on, at | anfangen — to begin |
|---|---|---|
| auf- | up, open | aufstehen — to get up |
| aus- | out, off | ausgehen — to go out |
| ein- | in | einkaufen — to shop |
| mit- | with | mitkommen — to come along |
| zu- | to, closed | zuhören — to listen |
| zurück- | back | zurückkommen — to come back |
| weg- | away | weglaufen — to run away |
| vor- | before | vorstellen — to introduce |
| ab- | off, from | abfahren — to depart |
Word order rules
- In a main clause, the conjugated verb is in position 2 and the prefix goes to the end.
- In subordinate clauses, the whole verb (prefix + stem) moves to the end.
- With modal verbs, the separable infinitive stays together at the end.
Examples
- Main clause: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
- Subordinate clause: ...weil ich um 7 Uhr aufstehe.
- With modal: Ich muss um 7 Uhr aufstehen .
When does the verb NOT separate?
- Infinitive: aufstehen
- Subordinate clause: ...weil ich aufstehe.
- With modal: Ich will aufstehen.
- Past participle: aufgestanden (used in Perfekt)
Practice
Practice separable verbs in context with BayZubaan's interactive exercises.