trennbar

Trennbar describes a class of German verbs that have separable prefixes. These prefixes form a unit with the verb in the infinitive, but can detach in main-clause finite verbs, creating two separate elements (the stem and the prefix) in certain tenses and positions. The phenomenon is a common feature of German grammar and affects how sentences are formed and interpreted.

In standard present or past indicative sentences, the separable prefix separates from the stem and moves to the end of the clause. For example: Ich stehe jeden Morgen früh auf. Wir fahren heute Abend los. Ich rufe dich später an. In these sentences the prefix auf-, los-, and an- attach to the end of the clause as separate particles.

In perfect tense, the prefix often appears as part of the participle, while the finite auxiliary verb remains in its usual position: Ich bin aufgestanden. Ich habe dich angerufen. The general separation pattern is thus visible in the finite form, while the participle bears the prefix in many cases.

Trennbar verbs contrast with inseparable verbs, which carry prefixes like be-, ge-, ver-, ent-, er- that typically do not detach in main clauses. Separable prefixes frequently convey directional, aspectual, or idiomatic nuances, such as movement or completion.

Common separable prefixes include ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, los-, mit-, nach-, vor-, um-. Verbs with these prefixes are listed in dictionaries as separable verbs (Verben mit trennbarem Präfix). The separability rules affect sentence structure and are a fundamental aspect of German word order and syntax.