27/05/2026
German Prefix Mini-Lesson: an-, auf-, zu-, aus-
In German, many verbs become new words when you add a separable prefix.
Example:
kommen = to come
ankommen = to arrive
The prefix changes the meaning of the verb.
an- often means contact, beginning, or switching on
ankommen = arrive
anfangen = start
anrufen = call
anmachen = turn on
auf- often means opening, upward movement, or completion
aufstehen = get up
aufmachen = open
aufräumen = tidy up
aufschreiben = write down
zu- often means closing, agreeing, or moving toward
zumachen = close
zuhören = listen
zusagen = agree
zunehmen = gain weight
aus- often means out, off, or removal
ausgehen = go out
ausmachen = turn off
ausziehen = take off
auspacken = unpack
Important:
In normal sentences, separable prefixes often move to the end.
Ich mache das Licht an.
I turn on the light.
Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
I get up at 7 o’clock.
Learning tip:
Do not translate every prefix literally. Learn the whole verb as one meaning.
