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German verbs can be either separable or inseparable, depending on their prefixes. Understanding how these verbs work is crucial for building correct sentences in both spoken and written German. In this lesson, you will learn the rules for using separable and inseparable verbs, their prefixes, and how to place them correctly in sentences.
What You Will Learn
- The difference between separable and inseparable verbs.
- Common prefixes for separable and inseparable verbs.
- How to use separable verbs in main clauses and subordinate clauses.
- How to recognize inseparable verbs and their usage.
- Practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben)
Separable verbs consist of a verb and a prefix. In the present tense and in main clauses, the prefix separates from the verb and moves to the end of the sentence.
Examples of Separable Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| aufstehen | to get up | Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (I get up at 7 a.m.) |
| einkaufen | to shop | Wir kaufen Lebensmittel ein. (We are buying groceries.) |
| anrufen | to call | Er ruft seine Mutter an. (He is calling his mother.) |
| mitkommen | to come along | Kommst du mit? (Are you coming along?) |
| vorbereiten | to prepare | Ich bereite das Essen vor. (I am preparing the food.) |
Rules for Separable Verbs
- Present Tense: The prefix separates and moves to the end of the sentence.
- Ich stehe auf. (I am getting up.)
- Er kauft ein. (He is shopping.)
- Imperative Form: The prefix remains separate in commands.
- Steh auf! (Get up!)
- Ruf mich an! (Call me!)
- Subordinate Clauses: In subordinate clauses, the prefix stays attached to the verb at the end of the clause.
- Ich weiß, dass er aufsteht. (I know that he is getting up.)
- Wir hoffen, dass sie einkauft. (We hope that she is shopping.)
Inseparable Verbs (Untrennbare Verben)
Inseparable verbs have prefixes that never separate from the verb. These prefixes often modify the meaning of the base verb significantly.
Common Inseparable Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning Example |
|---|---|
| be- | besuchen (to visit) |
| emp- | empfehlen (to recommend) |
| ent- | entdecken (to discover) |
| er- | erklären (to explain) |
| ver- | vergessen (to forget) |
| zer- | zerstören (to destroy) |
Examples of Inseparable Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| besuchen | to visit | Ich besuche meine Großeltern. (I am visiting my grandparents.) |
| verstehen | to understand | Wir verstehen die Aufgabe. (We understand the task.) |
| empfehlen | to recommend | Der Lehrer empfiehlt ein Buch. (The teacher recommends a book.) |
| vergessen | to forget | Hast du die Hausaufgaben vergessen? (Did you forget the homework?) |
| zerstören | to destroy | Das Feuer zerstört das Haus. (The fire is destroying the house.) |
Key Differences Between Separable and Inseparable Verbs
| Feature | Separable Verbs | Inseparable Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix placement | Separates and moves to the end | Stays attached to the verb |
| Subordinate clauses | Prefix stays attached to the verb | Prefix always stays attached |
| Example in Present Tense | Ich stehe auf. | Ich besuche dich. |
Sentence Structure Examples
Separable Verbs:
- Ich rufe meine Freundin an. (I am calling my friend.)
- Er bereitet das Projekt vor. (He is preparing the project.)
Inseparable Verbs:
- Wir verstehen den Text. (We understand the text.)
- Sie erklärt die Regeln. (She is explaining the rules.)
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Identify the Verb Type
Decide if the following verbs are separable or inseparable:
- einkaufen
- besuchen
- vorbereiten
- verstehen
- anrufen
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb:
- Ich __________ (einkaufen) Obst und Gemüse.
- Sie __________ (besuchen) ihre Freunde am Wochenende.
- Wir __________ (vorbereiten) das Zimmer für die Gäste.
- Er __________ (verstehen) die Aufgabe nicht.
- Du __________ (anrufen) deine Mutter jeden Tag.
Exercise 3: Rearrange the Words
Put the words in the correct order:
- Ich / auf / stehe / morgens.
- Er / an / ruft / seine Mutter.
- Wir / verstehen / die / Frage / nicht.
- Sie / einkaufen / geht / nach der Arbeit.
Exercise 4: Translate the Sentences
Translate these sentences into German:
- I am preparing the food.
- He is visiting his grandparents.
- We are shopping for clothes.
- She explains the rules.
Summary
In this lesson, you learned:
- The difference between separable and inseparable verbs.
- Common prefixes for each type and their meanings.
- How to use these verbs in sentences, including in main and subordinate clauses.
Homework
- Write 5 sentences using separable verbs and 5 sentences using inseparable verbs.
- Practice identifying whether a verb is separable or inseparable based on its prefix.
- Record yourself reading your sentences aloud to improve fluency.