Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf.
English: I get up at seven o'clock.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Verben und Verbformen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In German, separable verbs (trennbare Verben) are verbs with a prefix that splits off and moves to the end of the sentence in the present tense and simple past. These verbs change their position depending on the sentence structure.
When to use it
Use separable verbs in everyday situations when describing actions that involve a prefix, such as starting, finishing, going out, or turning something on/off.
Key forms
- Prefix + Verb (e.g., aufstehen)
- In main clauses: Prefix goes to the end (Ich stehe auf.)
- In infinitive or with modal verbs: Prefix stays attached (Ich will aufstehen.)
Examples
Wir kaufen im Supermarkt ein.
English: We shop at the supermarket.
Er ruft seine Mutter an.
English: He calls his mother.
Kannst du bitte das Fenster zumachen?
English: Can you please close the window?
Tips
- Remember to move the prefix to the end of the sentence in main clauses.
- With modal verbs (wollen, können, etc.), keep the verb together (Ich will aufstehen).
- Not all verbs with prefixes are separable—learn which ones are!
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some prefixes are always inseparable (be-, ver-, er-, etc.).
- Some verbs can be both separable and inseparable, but the meaning changes (e.g., umfahren).