Separable verbs

A1

Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. Many everyday verbs like aufstehen or einkaufen separate in a sentence. Here you learn how that works and where the prefix goes — essential for daily routines.

  • Separable-prefix verbs in present tense
  • Verb bracket with separable-prefix verb

Explanation

Some verbs have a prefix that separates from the verb in a sentence. In the dictionary they appear together: aufstehen, einkaufen, anrufen.

In a declarative sentence, the conjugated verb is in position 2. The prefix moves to the very end of the sentence: Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf. Verb and prefix together form a verb bracket.

In a question without a question word, the verb comes first and the prefix stays at the end: Kommst du mit?

VerbMeaningExample
aufstehento get upIch stehe früh auf.
einkaufento go shoppingWir kaufen heute ein.
anrufento callEr ruft seine Mutter an.
mitkommento come alongKommst du mit?
fernsehento watch TVAm Abend sehe ich fern.

Find words

Which prefix fits?

Which verb form fits?

Put sentences in order

Fill in the blanks

Grammar in context

Read these texts to consolidate what you learned. They fit this grammar lesson especially well.

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