German Grammar A–Z
Look up German grammar topics A–Z, organized by category and level — with clear explanations and examples.
Meanings of Some Inseparable Prefixes Combined with Verbs
Through inseparable prefixes (untrennbare Vorsilbe), verbs, nouns and adjectives can change their meaning. This article will introduce to you the usage and meaning of these prefixes. That way, whenever you see an inseparable prefix appear with any verb, you will be able to guess the meaning of the verb.
Let's start learning!
First, let's look at the following examples
Das Fest at ihm sehr missfallen. = dislike
(He really disliked the festival)
Das alte Schloss ist schon ganz verfallen. = fall into ruin, become dilapidated
(The old castle has already completely fallen into ruin)
Die Steine sind teilweise zu Staub zerfallen. = fall completely apart, beyond repair
(Some of the stones have crumbled into dust)
Through these 3 example sentences, the meanings of the 3 prefixes miss-, ver-, zer- have been introduced in an abstract way. So that you can understand and form a more accurate picture of the meaning and usage of inseparable prefixes, the inseparable prefixes and their accompanying illustrative examples will be explained one by one in the following table:
|
Prefix |
Meaning |
Example |
|
ver- |
indicates the process or result of an action (a state of being changed) indicates something happening with a result that is not as desired indicates the disappearance or vanishing of something |
Er hat sich sehr verändert. (He has changed a lot) Blumen verblühen (Flowers wither) die Suppe versalzen (to put too much salt in the soup) einen Brief verstecken (to hide a letter) |
|
er- |
to do something until a result is achieved expresses an action leading to a harmful result |
das Weltall erforschen (to explore the universe) im Meer ertrinken (to drown in the sea) |
|
zer- |
to destroy (tear, break…) to dissolve, melt away |
ein Blatt zerreißen (to tear a leaf) das Eis zerfließt (the ice is melting) |
|
ent- |
to strip/remove something to be lost, to escape |
das Meerwasser entsalzen (to remove the salt from seawater) Mir ist sein Name entfallen. (I have forgotten his name) Der Tiger ist aus dem Zoo entlaufen. (The tiger has escaped from the zoo) |
|
miss- |
negation, makes the meaning negative |
Der Versuch missglückt. (the experiment fails) Sie haben mich missverstanden. (You have misunderstood me) |
|
be- |
to do/complete something thoroughly to paint or print on something |
Thomas hat den Berg in nur drei Stunden bestiegen. (Thomas completed climbing the mountain in just 3 hours) eine Decke bemalen (to paint a ceiling) |
