German separable verbs examples: 15 essential phrases for A1‑B2

German separable verbs are verbs whose prefix detaches and moves to the end of the main clause; common aufstehen (to get up) and einkaufen (to shop) illustrate the pattern. Below you will find clear rules, useful examples, and a quick practice routine you can start today.

What are German separable verbs and how do they work?

In a separable verb the prefix (often a preposition or adverb) is written together with the infinitive but is placed at the end of a declarative main clause. Example: ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf (I get up at 7 a.m.). The prefix auf separates from stehen and moves to the sentence end. In subordinate clauses the prefix stays attached to the infinitive: weil ich um 7 Uhr aufstehe (because I get up at 7 a.m.). This rule also applies to the perfect tense: ich bin um 7 Uhr aufgestanden (I have gotten up at 7 a.m.). You can explore more everyday patterns with our free everyday phrases tool.

Which common separable verbs should A1‑B2 learners know?

Below is a list of frequently used separable verbs, each shown in a simple sentence. All German words are bolded for easy scanning.

• aufstehen (to get up) – ich stehe jeden Tag um 6 Uhr auf (I get up every day at 6 a.m.).
• einkaufen (to shop) – sie kauft am Samstag ein (she shops on Saturday).
• anrufen (to call) – du rufst mich später an (you will call me later).
• ausgehen (to go out) – wir gehen am Freitag aus (we go out on Friday).
• vorbereiten (to prepare) – er bereitet das Meeting vor (he prepares the meeting).
• mitbringen (to bring along) – ich bringe das Buch mit (I bring the book along).
• fernsehen (to watch TV) – sie sieht abends fern (she watches TV in the evening).
• aufmachen (to open) – du machst die Tür auf (you open the door).
• zurückkommen (to come back) – ich komme morgen zurück (I will come back tomorrow).
• einladen (to invite) – wir laden dich ein (we invite you).

Practice these sentences with the speaking prompts tool to hear natural intonation.

How do you correctly place the prefix in different sentence types?

Understanding where the prefix belongs is crucial for questions, imperatives, and modal constructions.

Declarative main clause

Prefix moves to the end: ich rufe dich morgen an (I will call you tomorrow).

Yes‑no question

The verb comes first, then the subject, then the prefix: Rufst du mich morgen an? (Will you call me tomorrow?).

Imperative

Prefix follows the verb: Ruf mich morgen an! (Call me tomorrow!).

With modal verbs

The modal stays in second position, the infinitive (with prefix attached) goes to the end: ich kann heute nicht ausgehen (I cannot go out today).

For quick reference, check the free numbers, time & dates sheet – it shows where prefixes sit when a time expression is fronted.

Practical steps to master separable verbs today

1. Write down five separable verbs from the list above.
2. Create two sentences for each: one declarative and one question, placing the prefix correctly.
3. Record yourself saying the sentences, then compare with the native audio in the listen‑and‑repeat tool.
4. Review the sentences after 24 hours and correct any misplaced prefixes.

This short routine takes less than ten minutes but reinforces the rule through active production.

Practice separable verbs with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you type or speak your own sentences and receive gentle corrections that keep the natural word order. Use the prompt feature to generate role‑play scenarios that contain separable verbs, then switch to Conversation mode for real‑time feedback. start practising free – you get 7 days unlimited, then a free daily allowance that never runs out.

FAQ

What exactly makes a verb separable?

A verb is separable when its prefix can detach and move to the end of the clause in main clauses, while staying attached in subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions.

Do separable verbs change in the perfect tense?

Yes. The auxiliary verb (haben or sein) occupies the second position, the prefix attaches to the past participle: ich habe das Buch mitgebracht (I have brought the book along).

Can I use separable verbs in indirect questions?

Indirect questions follow subordinate‑clause word order, so the prefix stays attached: ich weiß nicht, wann er ankommt (I don’t know when he arrives).

Are there verbs that look separable but are not?

Some verbs have prefixes that are historically separable but are now inseparable, such as verstehen (to understand). These never split, regardless of clause type.