what is it?
A separable-prefix verb is a verb whose infinitive begins with a short, detachable element — such as auf-, ein-, or mit-. In a main clause, the conjugated verb occupies the second position as usual, but the prefix splits off and moves to the very end of the clause. The prefix and the conjugated stem together carry the full meaning of the verb.
when to use it
Main clauses (statements and questions). Whenever a separable verb is conjugated in a main clause — whether a statement, a yes/no question, or a wh-question — the prefix detaches and goes to the end.
Subordinate clauses — prefix stays attached. In a subordinate clause introduced by a conjunction such as weil or dass, the verb moves to the end of the clause and the prefix remains attached to it.
Infinitive forms — prefix stays attached. When the verb appears as an infinitive (e.g. after a modal verb), the prefix is not separated: Ich muss früh aufstehen.
formation
Take the infinitive, split off the prefix, conjugate the remaining stem for the subject, and place the prefix at the end of the clause. The table below shows aufstehen (to get up) in full.
| subject | conjugated stem | … rest of clause … | prefix at end |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | stehe | um sieben Uhr | auf |
| du | stehst | früh | auf |
| er / sie / es | steht | um acht Uhr | auf |
| wir | stehen | zusammen | auf |
| ihr | steht | jetzt | auf |
| sie / Sie | stehen | spät | auf |
The same pattern applies to other common separable verbs: einkaufen → kaufe … ein; mitnehmen → nehme … mit.
In dictionaries, separable verbs are often written with a vertical bar or dot to mark the split point: auf|stehen. This signals that auf is the separable prefix.
examples in context
common pitfalls
Forgetting to separate the prefix in a main clause.
✗ Ich aufstehe um sieben Uhr. — The prefix must not stay glued to the conjugated verb in a main clause.
✓ Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf.
Separating the prefix inside a subordinate clause.
✗ …, weil ich früh stehe auf. — In a subordinate clause the verb goes to the end and the prefix stays attached.
✓ …, weil ich früh aufstehe.
Three sentences, graded here. Nothing is saved and no account is needed.
Ich räume jeden Abend mein Zimmer ___ . (aufräumen)
Fill in the blank with the correct separated prefix of the separable verb. The verb is given in parentheses.