Separable Verbs — Dutch Grammar

Many Dutch verbs are constructed by combining a basic verb with a prefix, such as , , , or . These are called separable verbs because, in many sentences, the prefix separates from the verb and moves to a different position.

The meaning of a separable verb is often specific and different from the base verb alone. For example, means "to ring" or "to call", but specifically means "to call someone on the phone".

Present Tense: Splitting the Verb

In the simple present tense, the verb splits. You conjugate the main verb part and place it in the standard verb position (usually second). The prefix detaches and moves to the very end of the sentence.

Ik bel mijn vriend op.
I call my friend.
Hij maakt de kamer schoon.
He cleans the room.
Wij nodigen de buren uit.
We invite the neighbors.

In these examples, the infinitives are (to call), (to clean), and (to invite).

Sentence Structure and Word Order

Because the prefix moves to the end, it acts like a "bookend" for the sentence. All other information—such as time, place, or objects—is placed between the conjugated verb and the prefix.

Ik was de auto af.
I wash the car.
Ik was de auto vandaag af.
I wash the car today.
Ik was de auto vandaag met mijn broer af.
I wash the car today with my brother.

The verb is (to wash up/wash dishes/wash down). Notice how the distance between and grows as you add more details, but remains the final word.

The Perfect Tense (Past)

In the present perfect tense (used for past actions), the prefix is attached to the participle, but the standard marker is placed between the prefix and the verb stem.

The structure is: Prefix + ge + Verb Stem + (t/d).

Ik heb mijn vriend opgebeld.
I have called my friend.
Hij heeft de kamer schoongemaakt.
He has cleaned the room.
Wij hebben de buren uitgenodigd.
We have invited the neighbors.

Note that for , the is inserted to form .

Common Prefixes

Recognizing these prefixes helps identify separable verbs. Here are a few common ones with examples:

aan (on/at): (to turn on), (to arrive).
uit (out/off): (to turn off), (to go out).
op (up/on): (to stand up/get up), (to tidy up).
mee (along/with): (to take along), (to come along).

Doe jij het licht aan?
Do you turn the light on?
Ik neem mijn jas mee.
I take my coat along.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Dutch course

32 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 34. A few of them, with the words “Separable Verbs” is about in bold:

U bent de eerste die het opmerkt!
You (pol.) are the first person to notice!
Lesson 337
Ik moet het toilet schoonmaken. Het is te vies.
I need to clean the toilet. It is too dirty.
Lesson 469

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