LangritWhat are separable verbs?
Many Dutch verbs are made of a prefix + base verb. In a main clause, the prefix separates and goes to the end of the sentence:
| Infinitive | Prefix | Base | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| opstaan | op | staan | to get up |
| aankomen | aan | komen | to arrive |
| meenemen | mee | nemen | to take along |
| uitgaan | uit | gaan | to go out |
| opbellen | op | bellen | to call (phone) |
| terugkomen | terug | komen | to come back |
How they work in a sentence
The conjugated verb stays in position 2, the prefix goes to the end:
| Infinitive | Sentence | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| opstaan | Ik sta om zeven uur op. | I get up at seven. |
| aankomen | De trein komt om acht uur aan. | The train arrives at eight. |
| meenemen | Ik neem een paraplu mee. | I am taking an umbrella with me. |
| uitgaan | Wij gaan vanavond uit. | We are going out tonight. |
| opbellen | Ik bel je morgen op. | I will call you tomorrow. |
| terugkomen | Wanneer kom je terug? | When are you coming back? |
With modal verbs: NOT separated
When a modal verb is present, the separable verb stays together as infinitive at the end:
- Ik moet morgen vroeg opstaan. — I have to get up early tomorrow.
- Wij willen vanavond uitgaan. — We want to go out tonight.
- Kan je mij opbellen? — Can you call me?
Common separable prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| aan | on, to | aankomen (arrive), aandoen (put on) |
| af | off, down | afwassen (wash dishes) |
| mee | along, with | meenemen (take along) |
| op | up | opstaan (get up), opruimen (tidy up) |
| uit | out | uitgaan (go out), uitnodigen (invite) |
| terug | back | terugkomen (come back) |
Example dialogue
Hoe laat sta je op? — What time do you get up?
Ik sta om half zeven op. — I get up at half past six.
En hoe laat ga je weg? — And what time do you leave?
Ik ga om acht uur weg. — I leave at eight o'clock.