Do Separable Verbs Go First: Separable Verbs in German
In the German language, do separable verbs go first? Anyone who has studied German grammar knows them: separable verbs (trennbare Verben). As the name indicates, these verbs are split mid-word under certain conditions:
anfangen (to start) → ich fange an (I start)
As most languages do not have separable verbs, they may seem bewildering and intimidating to German learners. But do not worry, in this article, you will learn everything you need to know to master separable verbs step by step.
We have kept the explanations as simple as possible so you can follow them easily without any prior knowledge.
What are Separable Verbs?
Separable verbs typically derive from “regular” verbs. They are formed by adding one or more syllables to the beginning of the verb, which creates a new word. The added syllables are called particles (Partikel), which is why separable verbs can also be referred to as particle verbs (Partikelverb).
The separable verb anfangen (to start), for example, is formed by adding the particle an (literally at) to the beginning of the verb fangen (literally to catch). A separable verb may at first glance seem like a single word, but it is actually comprised of two separate words: the verb fangen and the particle an.
As already mentioned, the particle is separated from the verb under certain conditions and then appears as an independent word in the sentence. The typical case where the particle is separated from the verb is in main clauses, but only in those in which the separable verb is in a finite verb form.
In order to understand this explanation, we first need to look at what the terms main clause and finite verb form actually mean.
Identifying Separable Verbs
These verbs consist of a one-syllable prefix (typically a preposition like “an,” “auf,” “aus”) and a core verb.
The core verb is usually an independent verb on its own. Let’s explore common examples:
- aufstehen (to get up)
- ankommen (to arrive)
- ausgehen (to go out)
- einkaufen (to shop)
- fernsehen (to watch television)
- anfangen (to start)
- einschalten/ausschalten (to switch on/off)
- anstoßen (to toast)
Now that we can identify separable verbs, let’s unravel the rules governing when they split and when they remain intact.
When Do Separable Verbs Split?
The rule is surprisingly straightforward: Separable verbs split when they are the sole verb in a main clause.
In this scenario, the prefix moves to the end of the sentence, and the core verb takes the second position and gets conjugated.
However, when there are two verbs in a main clause (an auxiliary verb and a separable verb) or in a subordinate clause, separable verbs do not split.
Examples of Separable Verbs Splitting
- Ich stehe morgens normalerweise um 7 Uhr auf. (I normally get up at 7am)
- Sie kommen gegen 12 Uhr in Hamburg an. (They arrive in Hamburg at around noon)
- Wir gehen am Wochenende aus. (We go out on the weekend)
Examples of Separable Verbs Not Splitting
- Ich muss morgens normalerweise um 7 Uhr aufstehen. (I normally need to get up at 7am)
- Sie werden gegen 12 Uhr in Hamburg ankommen. (They will arrive in Hamburg at around noon)
- Wir wollen am Wochenende ausgehen. (We want to go out on the weekend)
In subordinate clauses, separable verbs also stay together.
- Da ich morgens normalerweise um 7 Uhr aufstehe, versuche ich vor Mitternacht ins Bett zu gehen.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to split the particle from the verb, you have to ask yourself these two questions:
1. Is the separable verb in the finite form?
2. Is the separable verb in a main clause?
The particle is separated from the verb and placed at the end of the sentence only if the answer to both questions is “yes.” If the answer to one or both questions is „no,” then the particle and the verb are written together as a word.
However, before asking yourself whether to separate the particle from the verb, you must first determine whether the verb is actually a separable verb. Some verbs look similar to separable verbs, even though they aren’t.