Verbs with Prefixes
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Learn to distinguish separable, inseparable, and meaning-dependent German verb prefixes. Practise the sentence bracket in present-tense statements and questions.
Explanation
Verbs with prefixes
Many German verbs consist of a prefix and a base verb: anrufen, bezahlen, umfahren. The prefix often determines whether the present-tense verb splits.
1. Separable verbs
Separable prefixes are often independent prepositions or adverbs and are stressed. Common ones include ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, nach-, vor-, weg-, weiter-, zu-, zurück-.
- abholen: Ich hole meine Schwester ab. (I pick up my sister.)
- mitbringen: Bringst du einen Salat mit? (Are you bringing a salad?)
- zurückkommen: Wann kommt ihr zurück? (When are you coming back?)
In a statement and a wh-question, the conjugated verb is in position 2 and the prefix goes to the end:
| Position 1 | Position 2 | Middle field | Sentence end |
|---|
| Lea | ruft | ihren Vater | an. |
| Wann | ruft | Lea ihren Vater | an? |
In a yes/no question, the conjugated verb is in position 1:
With a modal verb, the infinitive remains together at the end:
- Lea muss ihren Vater anrufen.
2. Inseparable verbs
The prefixes be-, emp-, ent-, er-, ge-, miss-, ver-, zer- are inseparable and normally unstressed.
- bezahlen: Wir bezahlen die Rechnung.
- erklären: Der Lehrer erklärt die Aufgabe.
- verkaufen: Sie verkauft ihr Fahrrad.
The prefix remains attached to the verb: Ich beginne heute.
3. Prefixes with two patterns
The prefixes durch-, über-, um-, unter-, wider-, wieder- can be separable or inseparable depending on meaning. A separable prefix is stressed; in the inseparable use, the base verb normally carries the stress.
- umfahren (inseparable = drive around): Wir umfahren die Baustelle.
- umfahren (separable = knock over while driving): Der Radfahrer fährt den Kegel um.
- übersetzen (inseparable = translate): Mina übersetzt den Brief.
- übersetzen (separable = take across the water): Das Boot setzt die Gäste über.
Learn such verbs together with their meaning and an example sentence.
Quick method
- Check the prefix.
- Decide which meaning is intended.
- Conjugate the base verb.
- If the verb is separable, put the prefix at the end.
This lesson practises classification and the present-tense sentence bracket. Perfect-tense forms are covered separately.
Exercises
- Classify each verb as separable, inseparable, or either depending on meaning. (11)
- Use the cues to write a complete present-tense sentence. Mind the sentence bracket. (11)
- Put the words in the correct order. Place the verb and its separable prefix correctly. (11)
- Complete the dialogues with the correct present-tense forms. Separable verbs use two gaps for the verb and prefix. (4)
- Build preterite sentences with prefixed verbs. (10)
A2 · German · Grammar