Present main clause

Prefix separates to the end:

• Ich rufe dich an.
• Steh bitte auf.

Infinitive / subclause

Often stays together: anrufen, weil ich anrufe (no split inside the clause tail — see A2 cheatsheet for full bracket rules).

Core list

mitkommen, einsteigen, aussteigen, aufhören — learn verb + particle as one meaning.

Practice

Conjugate fernsehen and mitbringen for ich / du / wir in a main clause.

Practical Examples

1. Ich rufe dich später an.

• I will call you later.
• Usage note: The separable prefix "an-" goes to the very end of the sentence in a main clause.

1. Wir stehen jeden Morgen um sieben Uhr auf.

• We get up every morning at seven o'clock.
• Usage note: "Aufstehen" (to get up) separates, with "auf" moving to the end.

1. Kaufst du heute im Supermarkt ein?

• Are you shopping at the supermarket today?
• Usage note: In a question starting with the verb, the prefix "ein-" still goes to the end.

1. Er sieht abends oft fern.

• He often watches TV in the evenings.
• Usage note: "Fernsehen" (to watch TV) is a common separable verb; "fern" goes to the end.

1. Kommst du mit ins Kino mit?

• Are you coming along to the cinema?
• Usage note: "Mitkommen" (to come along) separates, with "mit" at the end of the question.

1. Bitte mach das Fenster zu!

• Please close the window!
• Usage note: In commands or requests, the prefix "zu-" still goes to the end.

1. Der Zug kommt pünktlich an.

• The train arrives on time.
• Usage note: "Ankommen" (to arrive) separates, and "an" is placed at the end.

1. Ich hole dich um acht Uhr ab.

• I will pick you up at eight o'clock.
• Usage note: "Abholen" (to pick up) is a common separable verb; "ab" goes to the end.

1. Wir gehen heute Abend nicht aus.

• We are not going out tonight.
• Usage note: Even in a negation, the prefix "aus-" of "ausgehen" (to go out) moves to the end.

1. Kannst du das Formular bitte ausfüllen?

• Can you please fill out the form?
• Usage note: When there's a modal verb (like "können"), the separable verb stays together at the end in its infinitive form.

1. Meine Schwester stellt ihren neuen Freund vor.

• My sister is introducing her new boyfriend.
• Usage note: "Vorstellen" (to introduce) separates, with "vor" at the end.

1. Wann stehst du normalerweise auf?

• When do you usually get up?
• Usage note: In a W-question, the prefix "auf-" of "aufstehen" still goes to the end.

1. Er macht die Tür auf.

• He opens the door.
• Usage note: "Aufmachen" (to open) separates, with "auf" at the end.

1. Ich kaufe heute Abend nicht ein.

• I am not shopping tonight.
• Usage note: "Einkaufen" (to shop) separates, and the negation "nicht" comes before the prefix "ein".

1. Sie kommt nächste Woche zurück.

• She is coming back next week.
• Usage note: "Zurückkommen" (to come back) separates, with "zurück" at the end.