Understanding German can be exciting and challenging,at the same time, particularly when you get to something called separable verbs. They may look confusing at first glance, why does a part of a verb come to the end of the sentence? You shouldn’t be worried because using separable verbs will feel more logical and enjoyable after learning the basics. In this blog, we will go through everything you need to know about seperable verbs in German ,from the basics to clear examples, so you can master them with confidence.

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Introduction

The separable verbs is not just a grammar exercise. This is the key to natural appearance in conversations. When you understand the pattern, they dont feel unusual and actually make it easy to enjoy German. Here, you will find their rules, general examples and suggestions in both speaking and writing.

In German, some verbs are made of two parts: one main verb and a prefix. These are called separable verbs (trennbare Verben). The special thing about them is that the prefix often “separately” and goes to the end of the sentence.

For example:

• aufstehen (to get up) → Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (I get up at 7 o’clock.)

Here, auf moves to the end, while stehen stays in the second position.

Why do Separable Verbs matter?

In German, separable verbs emerge in speeches very frequently. They cover actions like waking up, calling someone, opening a door or turning on light. Without these actions, the daily conversation will be incomplete.

Examples:

• anrufen (to call) → Ich rufe meine Mutter an. (I call my mother.)

• aufmachen (to open) → Die Tur wird aufgemacht. (The door is opened.)

These separable verbs additionally make the language more colorful and expressive. Rather than actually say stehen (to stand), you could use aufstehen (to stand up) or einstehen (to vouch for), which adds a touch of creativity for your sentences even as talking or writing as well.

What Are Separable Verbs?

Structure of Separable Verbs

The simple structure of a separable verb is:

👉 Prefix + Verb stem

The prefix offers the verb a new meaning, at the same time as the stem is the base verb.

Example:

• aufstehen (to get up)

  • Prefix: auf

  • Verb stem: stehen (to stand)

  • Sentence: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (I get up at 7 o’clock.)

In this sentence, the prefix auf has moved to the stop, at the same time as stehen stays within the second, following the usual German word order.

Common Separable Prefixes

German has many prefixes that form separable verbs. Each prefix provides its very own which means or nuance to the base verb. Here are some of the most not unusual:

Prefix	Meaning	Verb	English Translation
ab-	away, off	abfahren	to depart
		abholen	to pick up
an-	on, at, begin	anfangen	to begin
		anrufen	to call
auf-	up, open	aufstehen	to get up
		aufmachen	to open
aus-	out	ausgehen	to go out
		ausmachen	to turn off
ein-	in, into	einsteigen	to get in
		einladen	to invite
mit-	with, along	mitkommen	to come along
		mitmachen	to participate
nach-	after, follow	nachdenken	to think about
		nachfragen	to ask
vor-	before, forward	vorstellen	to introduce
		vorbereiten	to prepare
weg-	away	weggehen	to go away
		wegnehmen	to take away
zu-	to, closed	zumachen	to close
		zuhören	to listen

Importance of Separable Verbs?

Separable verbs are common usage in German. They describe common actions including waking up (aufstehen), calling someone (anrufen), or going out (ausgehen). What makes them in particular interesting is how a lot the prefix can change the meaning of a simple verb. Take the verb machen (to do/ make):

• aufmachen = to open

• zumachen = to close

• anmachen = to turn on

• ausmachen = to turn off

Here, we could be aware that one small prefix completely changes the meaning of the sentences, which makes getting to know them each a venture and an possibility to increase your vocabulary quick.

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Sentence Structure Rules

When it comes to different tasks, it can sometimes feel difficult because the prefix sometimes moves and is sometimes associated with action. But once you understand the rules, it becomes very easy.

1. Present Tense and Imperative

In the present tense and when giving instructions (imperative), the prefix actions goes to the end of the sentence.

• Present tense:

  • Ich rufe dich an. → I call you.

  • Wir stehen um 7 Uhr auf. → We get up at 7 o’clock.

• Imperative:

  • Ruf mich an! → Call me!

  • Mach die Tür auf! → Open the door!

👉 Rule: The verb goes in the second position, and the prefix “jumps” to the end.

2. Infinitive Form

When a separate verb is used in infinatively (with model actions or generally), the prefix remains together.

• Ich möchte dich anrufen. → I want to call you.

• Wir müssen früh aufstehen. → We have to get up early.

👉 Rule: In the infinitive, the verb is written as one word.

3. Perfect Tense (with “haben” or “sein”)

In the perfect tense, the prefix goes in the front of ge- while forming the past participle.

• Ich habe dich angerufen. → I have called you.

• Wir sind früh aufgestanden. → We got up early.

👉 Rule: Prefix + ge- + stem + (t/en).

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Common Separable Verbs List

Separable verbs are usually used in German speaking and writing, and once you have learned the most common actions, you will hear, and they should be used daily for better practice. These verbs are made of a prefix and verb stem, and the meaning of the verb often changes absolutely depending on the prefix. Below we will give you a list of the most common different actions and prefixes, with their meaning and actual examples of sentences.

1. anrufen – to call

This verb is used when you make a phone call.

• Ich rufe meinen Freund an. → I call my friend.

• Kannst du mich später anrufen? → Can you call me later?

Here, the prefix an moves to the end in the present tense.

2. aufstehen – to get up

One of the first verbs every learner encounters, because it’s part of daily life.

• Ich stehe um 6 Uhr auf. → I get up at 6 o’clock.

• Am Wochenende stehe ich später auf. → On weekends, I get up later.

Notice how the prefix auf separates and moves to the end of the sentence.

3. mitkommen – to come along

This verb is used when inviting someone to join you.

• Kommst du mit? → Are you coming along?

• Wir gehen ins Kino. Kommst du mit? → We’re going to the cinema. Are you coming with us?

The prefix mit adds the idea of “along” or “with.”

4. aufmachen – to open

A very common verb in daily life, used for opening doors, windows, boxes, etc.

• Mach bitte die Tür auf. → Please open the door.

• Kannst du das Fenster aufmachen? → Can you open the window?

Here, the command form shows clearly how the prefix goes to the end.

5. zumachen – to close

The opposite of aufmachen.

• Mach die Tür zu. → Close the door.

• Bitte mach das Fenster zu, es ist kalt. → Please close the window, it’s cold.

This shows how prefixes can completely change a verb’s meaning.

6. einsteigen – to get in (vehicle)

Used when entering a bus, train, or car.

• Der Zug ist da. Wir steigen ein. → The train is here. We are getting in.

• Bitte schnell einsteigen! → Please get in quickly!

The prefix ein gives the idea of “in” or “into.”

7. einladen – to invite

A friendly verb for inviting someone to an event.

• Ich lade dich zu meiner Party ein. → I invite you to my party.

• Sie lädt ihre Freunde zum Essen ein. → She invites her friends for dinner.

8. zuhoren – to listen

Different from hören (to hear), this verb means to actively listen.

• Hör mir bitte zu. → Please listen to me.

• Die Schüler hören dem Lehrer zu. → The students listen to the teacher.

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Separable vs Inseparable Verbs

German verbs can be either separable (trennbar) or *inseparable (untrennbar). The main difference is what occurs with the prefix:

• Separable verbs: The prefix splits and frequently is going to the cease of the sentence.
• Inseparable verbs: The prefix remains connected to the verb at all times.

Inseparable Prefixes

The most common inseparable prefixes are:

👉 be-, emp-, ent-, er-, ge-, miss-, ver-, zer-

These prefixes never separate from the verb.

Comparison Table

Mixed Verbs in German

If you want to analyze more about German verbs, you’ll first listen about the separable verbs and inseparable verbs. It will become simple enough—both the prefix moves to the end of the sentence, or it usually remains attached with the verb.Then you come to know that some verbs don’t fit neatly into one category. These verbs are often called the mixed verbs (teils trennbare Verben).

What Are Mixed Verbs?

Mixed verbs are some types of  verbs that are separable in some contexts, but inseparable in other cases.

The which means of the verb may change relying on whether the prefix is affected (separable) or unaffected (consequently inseparable).

So, we will say like this:

👉 If the prefix in the sentence is affected, the verb typically acts like a separable verb.

👉 If the prefix inside the sentences is unaffected, it typically acts like an inseparable verb.

Example 1: ubersetzen

This is one of the most famous mixed verbs.

• Separable (über + setzen) → to ferry across / to move across

  • Wir setzen den Fluss über. → We cross/ferry across the river.

• Inseparable (übersetzen) → to translate

  • Er übersetzt den Text ins Deutsche. → He translates the text into German.

Same verb, same spelling—but completely different meanings depending on stress and separation.

Example 2: umfahren

• Separable (um + fahren) → to knock over / run over

  • Der Fahrer fährt den Zaun um. → The driver knocks over the fence.

• Inseparable (umfahren) → to drive around / bypass

  • Wir umfahren die Stadt. → We drive around the city.

Again, the context and stress on the prefix completely change the meaning.

Why Mixed Verbs Matter

Mixed actions can feel misleading because they look the same on paper, but behave differently in sentences. Good news is:

• ]’

• ‘There aren’t too many mixed verbs in German.

• You will usually understand their meaning from context and intonation when speaking.

The most common mixed verbs include:

• übersetzen (to translate / to ferry across)

• umfahren (to bypass / to run over)

• unterstellen (to put under / to assume)

• widersprechen (to contradict / to speak against) – though more often inseparable

Tips to Learn and Practice

Separable verbs can experience unusual at the beginning because of the manner the prefix moves around in German sentences. But with the right technique and normal practice, you can grasp them quickly. Below we give  you some simple tips to help you examine, keep in mind, and use separable verbs in your normal German.

1. Should Use Flashcards to Build Vocabulary

Flashcard is a classic but powerful tool. Write the entire verb on one side and English meaning on the other side. You can also include an example sentence. This way you not only remember the meaning, but also see how the prefix is ​​different in real sentences. Apps like Anki or Quizlet are perfect for this.

2. Should Watch German Videos and Listen to Natives

Separable verbs are anywhere in real conversations. Watching German films, YouTube videos, or listening to some podcasts will help you, how those verbs are used obviously. For example, when a person says “Kommst du mit?” you’ll immediately hear how mit is separated and placed at the end of the sentence. This sort of listening practice facilitates the structure turn out to be automated.

3. Should Practice with Your Own Sentences

The best way to make separable verbs connect is by using them actively on the sentenecs. Take one verb, like anrufen, and try making five different sentences:

• Ich rufe dich später an. (I’ll call you later.)

• Ruf mich bitte an! (Please call me!)

• Morgen rufe ich meinen Lehrer an. (Tomorrow I’ll call my teacher.)

When you create sentences about your own life, you will remember them much better.

4. Should Focus on Prefix Meanings

Each prefix has a basic meaning, which includes auf- (up), mit- (with), ein- (in/ into), zu- (to/ closed). By learning those, you could often guess meaning of a new separable verb. For eg, if you know aufstehen (to stand up), then aufmachen (to open) makes feel because auf adds the concept of “up/ open.”

5. Should Write Mini-Stories or Dialogues

Pick a few verbs and write a short story or dialogue. For example:

• Am Morgen stehe ich um 7 Uhr auf. Ich mache das Fenster auf und rufe meine Freundin an. Dann komme ich zur Schule mit.

This combines several separable verbs in one natural context.

6. Should Try Practice Exercises

Here is a simple exercise for your reference:

Question: Convert the active infinitive into a present tense sentence.

1. aufstehen → Ich _____________um 7 Uhr ____________ .

2. anrufen → Er _____________ seine Mutter ____________ .

3. mitkommen → Kommst du ______________ ?

Answer:

1. stehe … auf
2. ruft … an
3. mit

Separable Verbs in German – Downloadable List

You can download the PDF of Separable verbs in German below,

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Conclusion

Mastering separable verbs is an vital step towards speaking in German as strong and realistic. They seem in ordinary conversations, so understanding how they work will greatly improve your fluency. The mystery lies in normal practice—use them for your own sentences, concentrate to how local speakers observe them, and repeat them often. With steady attempt, separable verbs will soon experience simple and natural to you.

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