Breakdown of Wir haben den Computer entsperrt, uns aber leider verrechnet.
haben
to have
aber
but
wir
we
leider
unfortunately
Questions & Answers about Wir haben den Computer entsperrt, uns aber leider verrechnet.
How does the prefix ent- change the meaning of the verb in entsperrt?
The prefix ent- usually indicates removal, reversal, or taking something away. The base verb sperren means to lock or block. By adding ent-, entsperren becomes the exact opposite: to unlock or unblock.
What does the ver- prefix do in the word verrechnet?
In this context, the prefix ver- expresses making a mistake or doing something incorrectly. The base verb rechnen means to calculate. So, sich verrechnen means to miscalculate or make an error in your math.
Why don't entsperrt and verrechnet start with ge- like most past participles?
Verbs that start with inseparable prefixes (such as ent-, ver-, and zer-) never take the ge- prefix in their past participle form. You simply use the inseparable prefix, the verb stem, and the standard ending (in this case, -t).
Why is the word uns used in the second half of the sentence?
The verb for miscalculating, sich verrechnen, is a reflexive verb in German. This means it always requires a reflexive pronoun. Because the implied subject of the second clause is still Wir (we), you must use uns. Literally, Germans say we calculated ourselves wrongly.