Explanation
What are Separable Verbs?
In German, some verbs are 'separable' (trennbare Verben). This means they consist of two parts: a prefix (like auf-, an-, or vor-) and a base verb. In a simple sentence, these two parts split up. The base verb stays in the second position and is conjugated normally, while the prefix moves to the very end of the sentence.
Sentence Structure
When you use a separable verb in a standard statement or question, the rule is 'verb in second place, prefix at the end.' For example, with the verb aufstehen (to get up), the 'stehe' part matches the subject 'ich', and 'auf' travels to the end: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
Separable Verbs with Modal Verbs
If you use a modal verb like können (can) or müssen (must), the separable verb does not split. Instead, the modal verb is conjugated in the second position, and the separable verb goes to the end of the sentence in its infinitive (original) form: Ich muss früh aufstehen.
How to Recognize Them
You can usually identify a separable verb by its stress; the prefix is always stressed when speaking (e.g., anfangen, aufpassen). Common prefixes that always separate include an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, and vor-.
Reference Tables
| Person | Verb Part 1 | Sentence Middle | Verb Part 2 (End) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | stehe | um 6 Uhr | auf |
| du | stehst | um 6 Uhr | auf |
| er/sie/es | steht | um 6 Uhr | auf |
| wir | stehen | um 6 Uhr | auf |
| ihr | steht | um 6 Uhr | auf |
| sie/Sie | stehen | um 6 Uhr | auf |
Examples
Ich stehe jeden Morgen um 7 Uhr auf.
I get up every morning at 7 o'clock.
Der Deutschkurs fängt heute pünktlich an.
The German course starts on time today.
Darf ich mich kurz vorstellen?
May I briefly introduce myself?
Du musst im Straßenverkehr gut aufpassen.
You have to pay close attention in traffic.
Wir schauen uns am Abend einen Film an.
We are watching a movie in the evening.
Common Mistakes
In a main clause, the prefix must move to the end of the sentence.
The prefix must be the very last element in the sentence, even after the subject or objects.
When using a modal verb, the separable verb remains whole and in the infinitive form at the end.