A separable verb has a prefix (a small extra word in front), like _op_ in _opbellen_ (to call) or _mee_ in _meenemen_ (to take along). In a normal sentence the verb splits, and the prefix moves to the end: _Ik bel je morgen op_. After _wil_, _kan_ or _moet_, the verb stays in one piece: _Ik wil je opbellen_.
The pattern
In a main clause (a normal statement or question), the conjugated verb (the form that changes for _ik_, _jij_ or _hij_) takes its usual place and the prefix moves to the end, after the object and time words. In the infinitive (the dictionary form), for example after _wil_ or _kan_, the prefix stays attached.
- A phrase can sometimes follow the prefix, especially in speech: _Ik bel je op na het eten._
- With _te_, the infinitive splits after all: _Ik probeer je op te bellen._
- Common prefixes: _op_, _af_, _aan_, _uit_, _mee_, _terug_, _weg_, _in_, _door_.
- The prefix carries the stress: _OPbellen_, _MEEnemen_, _AFwassen_.
Examples
| Ik bel je morgen op. | I'll call you tomorrow. |
|---|---|
| Ik wil je morgen opbellen. | I want to call you tomorrow. |
| Neem jij de taart mee? | Are you bringing the cake? |
| De trein komt om acht uur aan. | The train arrives at eight. |
| Fatima wast vanavond af. | Fatima is doing the dishes tonight. |
| Carlos komt morgen terug. | Carlos is coming back tomorrow. |
| Ik moet om vijf uur weggaan. | I have to leave at five. |
Why it works this way
Think of the end of the sentence as the verb's home. In a normal sentence the conjugated verb goes to work at the front (see [Verb second: the golden rule](#/lesson/verb-second)), but the prefix stays home. After _wil_ or _kan_, the infinitive stays home too, so verb and prefix stay together.
Remember: the verb goes to work, the prefix stays home.
English does this too (you pick the kids up), but Dutch pushes the prefix past time words as well: _Ik haal de kinderen om drie uur op_.
The stressed prefix is your clue that a verb can split. Verbs with _be-_, _ver-_ or _ont-_ never split, and neither do a few verbs with _door_; see [the next lesson](#/lesson/inseparable-verbs).
Watch out
- Not: _Ik opbel je morgen._ Say: _Ik bel je morgen op._ (in a normal sentence the prefix splits off)
- Not: _Neem jij mee de taart?_ Say: _Neem jij de taart mee?_ (the prefix comes after the object)
- Not: _Ik sta op altijd om zeven uur._ Say: _Ik sta altijd om zeven uur op._ (time words come before the prefix)
- Not: _Ik wil je op bellen._ Say: _Ik wil je opbellen._ (the infinitive is one word)
Quick check
- Fill in the gaps with _terugbellen_: _Joris ... zijn moeder ... ._
- Fix the sentence: _Emma meeneemt haar fiets._
- Choose: _Yara wil de radio (zet uit / uitzetten)._
- Which part of _uitgaan_ carries the stress: _uit_ or _gaan_?
Answers
- _Joris belt zijn moeder terug._ (the prefix goes to the end)
- _Emma neemt haar fiets mee._ (verb second, prefix at the end)
- _uitzetten_ (after _wil_, the infinitive stays whole)
- _uit_ (the prefix carries the stress: _UITgaan_)
Use it today
Tonight, say your plans for tomorrow out loud with three separable verbs. For example: _Ik sta om zeven uur op. Ik neem mijn laptop mee. Ik kom om zes uur terug._