German verbs can have three types of prefixes: separable, inseparable, and dual.
Separable prefixes can be separated from the main verb and placed at the end of a clause or sentence. They are always stressed in pronunciation. Some common separable prefixes include:
an- (to, onto)
ab- (away from, off)
ein- (into, into)
aus- (out of, off)
mit- (with)
über- (over, above)
unter- (under, below)
zu- (to, at)
wieder- (again)
Inseparable prefixes cannot be detached from the verb. They are never stressed in pronunciation. Some common inseparable prefixes include:
be- (to, for)
er- (to, for)
ent- (to remove, to take away)
emp- (to take away, to remove)
ver- (to spoil, to destroy)
voll- (full of)
zer- (to tear apart, to break)
Dual prefixes can function as either separable or inseparable depending on context. They are usually prepositions that have become prefixes over time. Some common dual prefixes include:
außerhalb- (outside of)
entlang- (along)
hinter- (behind)
über- (over)
um- (around)
unter- (under)
wider- (against)
The meaning of a verb with a prefix can be changed slightly or dramatically. For example, the verb stehen (to stand) can become aufstehen (to get up) when the prefix auf- (to, onto) is added. The verb hören (to hear) can become zuhören (to listen) when the prefix zu- (to) is added.
It is important to learn the different types of prefixes and how they affect the meaning of verbs in German. This will help you to understand and use German verbs more effectively.
Last Updated on January 27, 2024
by DaF Books