The compound verbs that can be both separable and inseparable begin with the prefixes _mis, om, onder, over, vol, aan, achter, door, voor and weer_ (see also the previous page).
Each prefix-verb combination has its own particular guideline for determining whether the verb is separable or inseparable. The guidelines are explained below.
Mostly separable verbs | Mostly inseparable verbs
aan, achter, door, om, onder, over, voor, weer | mis, vol
Most of them are separable.
You can view the in separable verbs here: [list of inseparable verbs: Exceptions](#/lesson/Verbs.Co11) | Most of them are in separable.
You can view the separable verbs here: [list of separable mis and vol-verbs](#/lesson/Verbs.Co12)
Mis
Almost all verbs that have the prefix _mis_ (miss) are inseparable. For this reason, it makes sense to learn the separable mis-verbs by heart:
See [List of separable mis and vol-verbs](#/lesson/Verbs.Co12)
Here, the meaning of _mis_ is 'wrong' or 'false', e.g.:
- misleiden (to deceive, 'to lead false')
- misdragen (to behave badly)
There are also separable mis-verbs, but here, the meaning of _mis_ is literally miss, as in 'to miss a target', e.g.:
- misslaan (failing to hit the target)
- mislopen (to miss an opportunity, appointment, etc).
Vol
By far most compound verbs that begin with 'vol' (full) are inseparable. There are some separable vol-verbs, which you can find in the [list of separable vol-verbs](#/lesson/Verbs.Co15).
Here, 'vol' is used in the sense of 'complete' or 'finished', e.g.:
- volbrengen (to accomplish, to achieve)
- volstaan (to suffice, to be sufficient).
There are, however, also a dozen or so separable vol-verbs. Separable verbs use 'vol' in a literal, physical sense, e.g.:
- volgieten (to 'pour full')
- volstoppen (to 'stuff full')
Om
Most om-verbs are separable. All om-verbs not mentioned in the [list of inseparable verbs: Exceptions](#/lesson/Verbs.Co11) are separable.
The word _om_ has several meanings (around, in order to, down, back). _In_ separable om-verbs always use _om_ in the sense of 'around'.
Onder
Most onder-verbs are separable. When 'onder' (under) is part of a separable verb, it means physically or literally 'under'.
Examples are:
- onderdompelen (to drown, to immerse)
- onderduwen (to push something or someone down)
- ondersneeuwen (to cover in snow)
In general, if the meaning of under is not physically under, the verb is inseparable. But the meaning of under as an inseparable prefix varies strongly:
- ondernemen (to undertake)
- onderschatten (to underestimate)
- onderwijzen (to teach).
Onder-verbs not mentioned in the [list of inseparable verbs: Exceptions](#/lesson/Verbs.Co11) are separable.
Over
The distinction between separable and inseparable over-verbs is a bit difficult to establish. 'Over' can be used in many different ways. 'Over' in the sense of 'too' or 'excessive' is always part of an inseparable compound verb. Indicating some kind of movement (to walk over to), 'over' is usually a prefix of a separable compound verb.
Over-verbs not mentioned in the [list of inseparable verbs: Exceptions](#/lesson/Verbs.Co11) are separable.
Generally, verbs that begin with 'aan' (on, at), 'achter' (behind), 'door' (on, through), 'voor' (for, before), and 'weer' (re-, again) are separable. There is a small [list of inseparable verbs: Exceptions](#/lesson/Verbs.Co11).