Breakdown of Ich wasche nach dem Abendessen ab.
ich
I
nach
after (in time)
das Abendessen
the dinner
abwaschen
to wash up, to do the dishes
Questions & Answers about Ich wasche nach dem Abendessen ab.
Why is ab at the very end of the sentence?
This sentence uses the separable verb abwaschen (to wash up). In a main clause, the prefix ab separates from the main verb (waschen) and moves to the very end of the sentence.
Why is it dem Abendessen instead of das Abendessen?
The preposition nach (after) always requires the dative case. Since Abendessen is a neuter noun (das Abendessen), the article changes to dem in the dative case.
Could I say Ich wasche ab nach dem Abendessen?
No, that would be incorrect. In German, a separated prefix like ab must go at the very end of the clause. Time phrases like nach dem Abendessen belong in the middle part of the sentence before the prefix.
What is the difference between waschen and abwaschen?
The verb waschen means 'to wash' in a general sense, like washing your hands or clothes. The separable verb abwaschen specifically means 'to wash up' or 'to do the dishes' after a meal. You might also hear Germans use the verb spülen for doing the dishes.