Separable Prefix Verbs
Many Dutch verbs combine a short prefix with a basic verb. For example, the prefix op pairs with the verb ruimen to create opruimen (to tidy up).
In a present tense main clause, a separable verb splits. The core verb (ruimen) is conjugated and takes the second position, while the prefix (op) goes to the very end of the sentence.
Here is another common separable verb, schoonmaken (to clean). The core verb maken takes the second position, and the prefix schoon waits at the end, wrapping around the rest of the sentence.
If you start the sentence with a time phrase instead of the subject, the conjugated core verb still stays in the second position, and the prefix remains at the very end.
Separable Verbs in Questions
In yes/no questions, the conjugated core verb moves to the front of the sentence. Just like in regular statements, the prefix stays anchored at the end.
If you use a question word, the core verb takes the second position right after the question word, and the prefix stays at the end.
More Examples
Separable verbs are extremely common in Dutch, especially when talking about movement or traveling. Prefixes like mee- (along), weg- (away), and uit- (out) attach to core verbs to create new meanings. No matter the verb, the splitting rule remains exactly the same!
