German grammar: Trennbare und untrennbare Verben

What this grammar point covers

In German, 'trennbare und untrennbare Verben' are verbs that use prefixes. Some prefixes can be separated from the verb (separable verbs), and others always stay together (inseparable verbs). This affects how you use the verb in a sentence.

When to use it

Use separable verbs when the verb has a prefix that can be separated. In main clauses, the prefix moves to the end of the sentence. Inseparable verbs keep the prefix attached in all forms.

Key forms

• Separable verbs: prefix + verb (e.g., aufstehen, anrufen)
• In sentences: prefix goes to the end (e.g., Ich stehe auf.)
• Inseparable verbs: prefix stays with the verb (e.g., verstehen, bekommen)
• In sentences: prefix does not move (e.g., Ich verstehe dich.)

Examples

Tips

• Pay attention to the prefix: some are always separable (e.g., auf-, an-, mit-), some are always inseparable (e.g., be-, ver-, ent-).
• In the perfect tense, separable verbs use 'ge' between the prefix and verb (e.g., aufgestanden), but inseparable verbs do not use 'ge' (e.g., verstanden).
• Don’t forget to move the prefix to the end in main clauses for separable verbs.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some prefixes can be both separable and inseparable, depending on the verb (e.g., 'umfahren' can mean 'to drive around' or 'to run over', with different separability).