Why should I learn German word formation?

German builds most of its vocabulary through compounding and affixation — the same 20 prefixes and suffixes appear in thousands of words. Once you know that ver- often signals "doing something wrong" and -ung makes a feminine noun from a verb, you can decode words you've never seen before. It's the highest-leverage vocabulary skill in the language.

What is the difference between separable and inseparable prefixes?

Separable prefixes (ab-, an-, auf-, ein-) split from the verb in main clauses: "Ich rufe Sie an" (I am calling you). Inseparable prefixes (be-, er-, ver-, zer-) stay attached: "Ich verstehe das." Some prefixes (über-, durch-, um-) can be both depending on meaning and stress. A good rule: if the stress is on the prefix, it's separable.

German word formation — 20 prefixes and suffixes that unlock thousands of words

German builds most vocabulary through prefixes and suffixes. Master these 20 patterns and you can decode words you've never seen before.

20 patterns 11 prefixes 9 suffixes

The core rule

Separable prefixes (ab-, an-, auf-, ein-, mit-) split from the verb in main clauses. Verb goes to end in subordinate clauses. Inseparable prefixes (be-, er-, ver-, zer-) never separate. Suffixes tell you gender: -ung is always die, -er is always der.

Prefixes (11)

Suffixes (9)

Put these patterns into practice

The A2 course builds vocabulary using these exact patterns — so you learn words and the rules behind them at the same time.

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