Prefix to the end: ich rufe dich an
Separable verbsPreview · PassFree topic preview
Place German separable verbs correctly in main clauses, subordinate clauses, modal constructions, and the perfect tense.
In a main clause, the stressed prefix separates and moves to the end: anrufen → “Ich rufe dich an.” With a modal or in a subordinate clause, the infinitive or conjugated form stays together.
Worked example
Der Kurs fängt um neun an.
In the main clause, “fängt” is in position 2 and the prefix “an” is at the end. Both belong to anfangen.
Quick check
1. Ich rufe dich später ___.
Answer and explanation
an — In a main clause, anrufen separates: rufe … an.
2. …, weil er früh ___.
Answer and explanation
aufsteht — In a subordinate clause, the conjugated form goes last and remains together.
3. Past participle of einkaufen
Answer and explanation
eingekauft — For a regular separable verb, ge sits between prefix and stem: ein-ge-kauf-t.
In the complete lesson: The complete lesson adds prefix lists, all four sentence patterns, and C-Test drills for separable verbs.