German grammar: Untrennbare Verben

What this grammar point covers

Untrennbare Verben are German verbs with prefixes that cannot be separated from the verb. These prefixes always stay attached, even when the verb is used in a sentence.

When to use it

Use untrennbare Verben when talking about actions or processes that often have a fixed meaning. These verbs usually start with prefixes like be-, ent-, er-, ge-, miss-, ver-, zer-.

Key forms

• Prefix + Verb (e.g., 'verstehen', 'bekommen', 'entdecken')
• The prefix is never separated from the verb.
• In the present tense and perfect tense, the prefix stays attached.

Examples

Tips

• Remember: The prefix never separates from the verb, even in questions or the perfect tense.
• In the perfect tense, use 'ge-' only if it is not already part of the prefix. With untrennbare Verben, do not add 'ge-'. For example: 'Ich habe verstanden.'
• Watch out: Some prefixes can be both separable and inseparable (like 'über-'), but the meaning changes.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs with these prefixes can be separable in other meanings. Always check the context.