The meaning of German prefixes for Separable Verbs
Can you guess what a German verb means just from its prefix? Sometimes you can, and this lesson shows you how. It looks at the typical meanings of the prefixes used in separable verbs, such as an-, auf-, aus-, mit- and zurück-. There is one important warning, though: these meanings do NOT apply to every verb. Often a prefix simply cannot be translated or connected to a clear meaning, so treat the meanings below as a helpful memory aid, not as a rule.
What Are Separable Verbs?
Separable verbs consist of a prefix and a base verb. In a main clause the prefix jumps to the end of the sentence: "Ich stehe jeden Tag um sieben Uhr auf." In the infinitive and in subordinate clauses they stay together: "Ich möchte früh aufstehen."
Typical Meanings of Common Prefixes
ab- (away, off, down)
abfahren (to depart), abnehmen (to lose weight, to take off), abschneiden (to cut off)
an- (contact, towards, start)
anschauen (to look at), ankommen (to arrive), anfangen (to begin)
auf- (up, open)
aufstehen (to get up), aufmachen (to open), aufräumen (to tidy up)
aus- (out, off, finished)
ausgehen (to go out), ausmachen (to turn off), ausatmen (to breathe out)
ein- (in, into)
einsteigen (to get in), einziehen (to move in), einatmen (to breathe in)
mit- (along, with)
mitkommen (to come along), mitbringen (to bring along), mitnehmen (to take along)
zurück- (back)
zurückkommen (to come back), zurückgeben (to give back), zurückrufen (to call back)
weg- (away)
weggehen (to go away), wegwerfen (to throw away), wegfahren (to drive away)
zu- (closed, towards)
zumachen (to close), zuhören (to listen), zusehen (to watch)
um- (around, change)
umziehen (to move house, to change clothes), umsteigen (to change trains), umdrehen (to turn around)
The prefix "nach-" has its own range of meanings. You can read about it in our lesson on the different meanings of "nach". And if you want a long list of separable verbs sorted by prefix, see our Top 50 separable verbs.
Watch Out: Not Every Meaning Fits
Take "aufgeben" (to give up). The prefix "auf-" suggests "up", but the verb means to quit or to abandon. Or "ankommen": it can mean "to arrive", but also "to depend on" ("Es kommt darauf an"). In cases like these, learn the verb as one complete unit. The prefix meanings are a shortcut for many verbs, not for all of them.
Separable or Inseparable?
Some prefixes are always inseparable: be-, ge-, er-, ver-, zer-, ent-, emp-. Example: "Ich verstehe dich." Others, like um-, durch-, über- and unter-, can be separable or inseparable depending on the verb: "umziehen" (separable) but "umarmen" (inseparable).
Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)
Do German separable prefixes always have a clear meaning?
No. Many prefixes have a typical meaning (for example mit- = along, zurück- = back), but this does not work for every verb. Often the prefix is simply part of a new meaning that you have to learn together with the verb.
What does the prefix an- usually mean in separable verbs?
An- often expresses contact, direction towards something or the start of an action, as in anschauen (to look at), ankommen (to arrive) and anfangen (to begin).
What is the difference between separable and inseparable prefixes?
Separable prefixes (an-, auf-, aus-, mit-, zu- and others) move to the end of the main clause: Ich stehe früh auf. Inseparable prefixes (be-, ge-, er-, ver-, zer-, ent-) stay attached: Ich verstehe dich.
Are the prefixes um-, durch- and über- separable or inseparable?
They can be both, depending on the verb and its meaning. For example, umziehen (to move house) is separable, while umarmen (to hug) is inseparable.
How can I learn separable verbs more easily?
Learn each verb as a complete unit with an example sentence, use the typical prefix meanings as a memory aid, and always practice where the prefix goes in the sentence.
If separable verbs still feel unpredictable, a solid step-by-step foundation makes a big difference. Take a look at our self-paced German courses for clearly structured lessons at every level from A1 to B1.
