SUF: Trennbare Verben

Trennbare Verben (Separable Verbs)

Trennbare Verben = Separable Prefix Verbs.

• German verbs can have separable prefixes. These prefixes change the meaning of the original verb and make a new word.
• In the present tense, separable prefixes are separated from the verb and placed at the end of the sentence.
• Separable prefix verbs can also have a stem change if the original verb is a stem change verb. For example:
• abfahren = to depart

Most separable verbs are extended variations of another simple verb. The examples below will help you understand the difference in meaning a prefix can cause.

Also look at how the separable verbs are conjugated the same way as normal. The crucial thing to remember is that the prefix goes all the way to the end of the statement.

Listen carefully to the examples below. Attempt saying these phrases - practice your pronunciations!

• gehen = to go
  • ausgehen = to go out
    • Ich gehe nach Hause. (I'm going home.)
    • Ich gehe gern aus. (I like to go out.)

• kaufen = to buy
  • einkaufen = to shop
    • Ich kaufe den Schokoladenkuchen. (I'm buying the chocolate cake.)
    • Meine Mutter kauft gern ein. (My mother likes to shop.)

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