Separable verb (present tense) - Scheidbaar werkwoord (tegenwoordige tijd)

Introduction

Use

Click here for self-correcting exercises on separable verbs.

Introduction

Some Dutch verbs have a complex structure, e.g.: oversteken, voorstellen, plaatsvinden, aankomen. Verbs which are structured like this are called separable verbs, because the first element, the so-called prefix, can be separated from the verb. The prefix of each of these verbs (over-, af-, plaats- and aan-) are also words in their own right (mainly prepositions or adverbs but also nouns or adjectives).

In these verbs the prefix carries the main stress. In the infinitive these stressed prefixes are joined to the verbs, but in their finite forms (the conjugated form of the verb) they are separated from the verb and occur towards the end of the sentence, usually in the final but sometimes in the penultimate position.

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Use

Look at the examples below. In each first sentence the infinitive of the separable verb appears (so the verb is not separated). In each second sentence the prefix has been separated from the verb and appears in final or penultimate position.

Je moet hier het kruispunt oversteken. You have to cross the crossroads here.
Je steekt hier het kruispunt over. You cross the crossroads here.

Zal ik me even voorstellen? Shall I introduce myself?
Hanna stelt Karin voor aan Alan. Hanna introduces Karin to Alan.


Waar zal het Filmfestival plaatsvinden? Where will the Film Festval take place?
Het Filmfestival vindt plaats rond de Kruiskade. The Film Festival takes place around the Kruiskade./span>
Wanneer zullen ze aankomen? When will they arrive?
Ze komen altijd te laat aan. They always arrive late.

Note that in the formation of the past participle, the prefix and the verb become one word again; -ge- is inserted between the prefix and the verb. Something similar happens in subclauses, where the finite verb moves to the end of the subclause and blends with the separable prefix (see sentence structure). This is illustrated below.
Wanneer zijn ze aangekomen? When have they arrived?
Ik denk dat ik om tien uur aankom. I think I will arrive at ten o'clock.

Note that the separation of the prefix in these separable verbs also occurs in other forms of the verbs, for instance in imperatives or questions:

Steek het plein over. Cross the square.
Nodig je jouw broer ook uit? Do you invite your brother as well?

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Click here to read more about separable verbs in the Advanced Dutch Grammar.