A2 Dutch GrammarSeparable Verbs
Master Dutch separable verbs (scheidbare werkwoorden) where the prefix splits from the main verb in sentences. Learn common prefixes like aan, op, uit, mee, and understand when the verb separates and when it stays together. This is essential for natural Dutch.
1What Are Separable Verbs?
Dutch separable verbs consist of a prefix and a base verb that split apart in main clauses. The prefix moves to the end of the sentence while the conjugated verb stays in second position. Common separable prefixes include aan, op, uit, mee, af, and terug.
Common Separable Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Verb |
|---|---|---|
| aan- | on, to | aankomen (arrive) |
| op- | up, open | opstaan (get up) |
| uit- | out, off | uitgaan (go out) |
| mee- | with, along | meekomen (come along) |
| af- | off, down | afmaken (finish) |
| terug- | back | terugkomen (come back) |
Examples
Ik sta elke dag om zeven uur op.
I get up every day at seven o'clock.
opstaan splits: sta ... op
De trein komt om drie uur aan.
The train arrives at three o'clock.
aankomen splits: komt ... aan
Kom je vanavond mee?
Are you coming along tonight?
meekomen splits: kom ... mee
Ik maak mijn huiswerk af.
I am finishing my homework.
afmaken splits: maak ... af
2When Verbs Stay Together
Separable verbs do NOT split in three situations: in subordinate clauses (after conjunctions like dat, omdat, als), in the infinitive form (with te or modal verbs), and in the past participle form (ge- is inserted between prefix and stem).
When Verbs Stay Together
| Situation | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subordinate clause | conjunction + ... + whole verb | ...omdat ik opsta |
| With modal verb | modal + infinitive | Ik wil opstaan |
| Past participle | prefix + ge + stem + t/d | opgestaan |
| With te + infinitive | te + whole verb | om op te staan |
Examples
Ik weet dat hij morgen aankomt.
I know that he arrives tomorrow.
subordinate clause: aankomt stays together
Ik wil vanavond uitgaan.
I want to go out tonight.
modal verb: uitgaan stays together
Hij is gisteren teruggekomen.
He came back yesterday.
past participle: terug-ge-komen
Het is moeilijk om vroeg op te staan.
It is difficult to get up early.
te + infinitive: op te staan
3Common Separable Verbs
Here are some of the most frequently used separable verbs in Dutch. Learning these will greatly improve your ability to understand and speak everyday Dutch. Notice how the prefix often changes the meaning of the base verb significantly.
Frequently Used Separable Verbs
| Verb | Translation | Present Tense |
|---|---|---|
| opbellen | to call (phone) | ik bel op |
| uitnodigen | to invite | ik nodig uit |
| meenemen | to take along | ik neem mee |
| aantrekken | to put on (clothes) | ik trek aan |
| uitzetten | to turn off | ik zet uit |
| terugbetalen | to pay back | ik betaal terug |
Examples
Ik bel je morgen op.
I will call you tomorrow.
opbellen: bel ... op
We nodigen alle vrienden uit.
We are inviting all friends.
uitnodigen: nodigen ... uit
Neem je paraplu mee!
Take your umbrella along!
meenemen: neem ... mee
Zij trekt haar jas aan.
She puts on her coat.
aantrekken: trekt ... aan
4Separable vs Inseparable Prefixes
Not all prefixed verbs are separable. Inseparable prefixes (be-, ge-, ver-, ont-, er-, her-) are never stressed and never split from the verb. Separable prefixes are always stressed. Compare: BEgrijpen (inseparable) vs OPstaan (separable).
Separable vs Inseparable
| Type | Prefixes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Separable | aan, op, uit, mee, af | OPstaan (ik sta OP) |
| Inseparable | be-, ge-, ver-, ont- | beGRIJpen (ik begrijp) |
| Inseparable | er-, her- | verTELlen (ik vertel) |
Capital letters show stress position
Examples
Ik begrijp het niet.
I do not understand it.
begrijpen: inseparable (be-)
Hij vertelt een verhaal.
He tells a story.
vertellen: inseparable (ver-)
We ontmoeten elkaar morgen.
We meet each other tomorrow.
ontmoeten: inseparable (ont-)
Ik zet de televisie uit.
I turn off the television.
uitzetten: separable (uit-)