trennbare werkwoorden grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B1
Unit: Werkwoordtypen en diathese
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Separable verbs in Dutch are verbs made up of a main verb and a prefix. In certain sentences, the prefix is separated from the verb and placed at the end of the sentence.

When to use it

You use separable verbs in Dutch when you want to express actions that are often related to movement, direction, or a change of state. The prefix changes the meaning of the main verb.

Key forms

Present simple: Ik sta op.
Infinitive: opstaan
Perfect tense: Ik ben opgestaan.
Imperative: Sta op!

Examples

Ik maak het licht aan.

English: I turn on the light.

Hij belt zijn moeder op.

English: He calls his mother.

Wij staan elke dag vroeg op.

English: We get up early every day.

Zij schrijft de boodschap op.

English: She writes down the message.

Tips

In main clauses, the prefix goes to the end of the sentence.
In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, the verb and prefix stay together.
Pay attention to the meaning: the prefix can change the verb's meaning a lot.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some prefixes are never separated (like 'ver-', 'be-', 'ge-', 'her-', 'ont-', 'er-').
In the past participle, the prefix comes before 'ge-' (for example: 'opgestaan').