Separable prefix verbs
Many German verbs are made of two parts: a short prefix and a base verb. These are called separable prefix verbs (trennbare Verben).
For example, taking the base verb kaufen (to buy) and adding the prefix ein- gives you a new verb with a slightly different meaning: einkaufen (to shop).
The sentence bracket
When you use a separable verb in a main clause, the verb splits in two. The conjugated base verb takes the second position, and the prefix moves to the very end of the sentence.
Asking questions
Just like with regular verbs, questions change the position of the conjugated verb, but the prefix stays at the end.
In a question with a question word (like wann, wo, or wie), the conjugated base verb stays in the second position.
In a yes/no question, the conjugated base verb moves to the first position.
Common prefixes
There are many common separable prefixes in German, such as fern- (far), mit- (with/along), ab- (away/off), and aus- (out). No matter the verb, conjugate the base verb normally and send the prefix to the end!
