Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of separable verbs—the verbs that break up, ghost you in the middle of a sentence, and somehow make total grammatical sense.

If you're struggling to find that pesky prefix that vanished into thin air, you're not alone. Let’s decode the drama (and the grammar) of separable verbs—TLS style.

What Are Separable Verbs Anyway?

Separable verbs are compound verbs in German where the prefix detaches and moves to the end of the sentence in certain tenses (mostly present and simple past).

Example:
anrufen (to call)
→ Ich rufe dich an.
(“I call you up.”)

So yes, in German, verbs literally leave the chat. But they come back. We promise.

Common Separable Verb Prefixes

Here’s your VIP list of prefixes that love to fly solo in a sentence:

• an- (on/to) – anrufen (to call)

• auf- (up/open) – aufstehen (to get up)

• mit- (with) – mitkommen (to come along)

• ein- (in) – einsteigen (to get in)

• zurück- (back) – zurückgeben (to give back)

• los- (off/go) – losfahren (to set off)

Each prefix adds a twist of meaning. Think of them like emojis for verbs—one simple prefix can change the whole vibe.

When Do They Split?

✅ Split = Present or Simple Past tense + Main clause

• Ich stehe früh auf.
  I get up early.

• Er fährt morgen los.
  He sets off tomorrow.

???? Not Splitting = Infinitive, Modal Verbs, or Subordinate Clauses

• Ich will früh aufstehen.
  I want to get up early.

• Er sagt, dass er morgen losfährt.
  He says he sets off tomorrow.

Pro Tip: If there’s a comma in the sentence, check for clause drama. Subordinate clauses love keeping the verb and prefix together.

Top Separable Verbs You’ll Actually Use

Memory Hack: Think LEGO, Not Superglue

German separable verbs are like LEGO blocks—they’re meant to come apart. Don’t try to glue them together in every sentence.

If you’re unsure, look at the verb placement. If it’s chilling at the end of a sentence, it’s probably a prefix.

Try creating a “prefix personality chart” in your notebook—make it fun!

• auf-: the morning person

• ab-: the one who ghosts without warning

• mit-: the clingy one who always wants to come along

This little trick adds humor and helps you associate behavior with grammar.

Mini Challenge: Decode These Sentences

1. Ich stehe jeden Tag um 7 Uhr ___.

2. Kannst du bitte den Fernseher ___?

3. Wir ___ morgen zusammen zur Schule ___.

4. Ich will meine Freundin ___.

Answer Key:

1. auf

2. anmachen

3. kommen, mit

4. anrufen

Ready to Split & Slay? Learn German With TLS!

At The Language SKOOL, we make German learning less “Grammatik” and more "Grammy-worthy".

Whether you’re stuck with separable verbs or trying to flirt in flawless Deutsch, we’ve got you covered with interactive lessons, real-life usage hacks, and some good ol’ German grammar therapy.

Don’t just learn German—live it, laugh at it, and separate like a pro.

???? Join TLS today. Because trust us—this is the only breakup you’ll actually enjoy.