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Understanding Separable Verbs in German
In German, some verbs are called separable verbs. These are special because they have a prefix that can be separated from the main part of the verb when you use them in a sentence.
Important Points
Separable verbs usually have a prefix like 'auf', 'zu', or 'ein'.
In the present tense, the prefix goes to the end of the sentence.
In the infinitive form, the prefix and the verb are written together as one word.
When used with a modal verb, the prefix stays attached to the verb.
Examples
Aufstehen: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
Einladen: Wir laden Freunde zum Essen ein.
Zuhören: Er hört der Lehrerin zu.
Let's break down what happens when you use a separable verb. If you want to say 'I get up at 7 o'clock', you use the verb 'aufstehen'. In the sentence, 'stehe' is the main verb and 'auf' is the prefix that moves to the end.
Examples
Aufstehen: Ich möchte um 7 Uhr aufstehen.
Einladen: Wir wollen Freunde zum Essen einladen.
Zuhören: Er muss der Lehrerin zuhören.
When you use a modal verb like 'möchte' or 'wollen', the prefix stays attached to the main verb, and both go to the end of the sentence.
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