Master the Separable Verb (Present)
An essential structure for B1 proficiency.
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How it works
Separable Verbs: The Divorce 💔
Some Dutch verbs are married couples. They consist of a Prefix and a Verb.
- Op + Bellen (To call up)
- Schoon + Maken (To clean / To make clean)
- Af + Wassen (To wash dishes / To wash off)
When they appear in a main clause, they get divorced. 😭
The Rule: Split them up!
- The Verb takes Position 2 (The V2 Rule).
- The Prefix gets kicked to the very, very END of the sentence.
Formula: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Rest] + [Prefix]
Examples
Opbellen (To call up)
- Ik bel mijn moeder elke avond op.
- (I call my mother every evening up.)
Schoonmaken (To clean)
- Wij maken het hele huis vandaag schoon.
- (We make the whole house today clean.)
When do they stay together?
They reunite in two cases:
- Infinitive Form: Ik wil je opbellen. (Modal Sandwich keeps them together at the end).
- Subordinate Clause: ...omdat ik je opbel. (Wait for the advanced lessons!)
Pro Tip 💡
When you learn a new verb, check if it has a prefix. Stress usually falls on the prefix.
- OP-bellen.
- AAN-komen.
- UIT-gaan. If the stress is on the first part, it's likely separable!
Example Sentences
Ik bel je morgen vroeg op.
I will call you early tomorrow.
De baas belt de leverancier op.
The boss calls the supplier up.
De trein komt zo aan.
The train will arrive soon.
Zij sluit zich aan bij de groep die de kloof beklimt.
She joins the group that is climbing the gorge.
De dokter belt je morgen op over de resultaten.
The doctor will call you tomorrow about the results.