German grammar › A1
Separable verbs
Level A1 · Trennbare Verben — when the prefix moves to the end, and when it stays put
What is a separable verb?
Some verbs have a small prefix that changes the meaning: stehen = stand, aufstehen = get up. In a normal sentence, the prefix jumps to the end.
Why it matters
- Daily routines are full of them: aufstehen, einkaufen, anrufen.
- Miss the end of the sentence and you miss the meaning.
- They all follow one clear pattern.
Pattern
subject + verb + … + prefix
What changes
where the prefix stands: at the end in a main clause, attached in the infinitive
Examples
- Ich **stehe** um 7 Uhr **auf**. — I get up at 7. (aufstehen)
- Ich **rufe** dich morgen **an**. — I’ll call you tomorrow. (anrufen)
Remember: Listen to the end of a German sentence — the prefix often completes the verb.
Watch out: The prefix changes the meaning completely: anrufen (to phone) ≠ rufen (to call out).
Builds on: Present tense — regular verbs.
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