Prefix Verbs Explained

Prefix Verbs Explained – “einziehen”

"einziehen" has dozens of translations. But they all belong to two core concepts. Today, we'll find out all about it and also what's up with "reinziehen".

“einsetzen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A fun look at the various various meanings of "einsetzen" and the difference to the r-version "reinsetzen".

Vocab: einsetzen, der Einsatz, reinsetzen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “abziehen”

A quick look at the various meanings of "abziehen" and the noun "der Abzug" and one of the most graceful German words ever. And some Hegel.

The meaning(s) of – “bestehen”

A quick look at the various meanings of "bestehen"

“verteidigen” – German Prefix Verb Calendar

"verteidigen" means "to defend". In this short post, we'll learn why and see how to use it.

Dark Season 5 – Episode 31 – “absetzen”

'absetzen' can mean taking off a hat, but also cancelling a series and deducting something from your taxes and more. And then, there's "der Absatz" as well.

“ablaufen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A fun look at the German prefix verb "ablaufen" and how it connects a sink, a conference and old milk.

Vocab: ablaufen, abgelaufen, der Ablauf, der

German Prefix Verbs Explained – “ansprechen”

A fun look at the meaning of the prefix verb "ansprechen" and its various related words that range from being picky to eye candy.

Vocab: ansprechen, die Ansprache, ansprechend, ansprechbar, sich angesprochen fühlen, anspruchsvoll

Prefix Verbs Explained – “anstehen”

A fun look at the various meanings of "anstehen" and what waiting in line has to do with manners and letters on a board.

“anfallen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A look at "anfallen" and why it means "attack" and "be on the agenda". And a look at the difference between "Angriff" and "Anfall" which both are "attack"

Prefix Verbs Explained – “zustehen”

You're in charge of the condition of your vocabulary. Go get what's rightfully yours - mean this article about the meaning of "zustehen" :).

Vocab: zustehen, der Zustand, zuständig

The Many Meanings of “aufnehmen”

A fun look at the various meanings of "aufnehmen" and what a recording has to do with giving asylum to refugees and entry exams.

Vocab: aufnehmen, die Aufnahme, die Notaufnahme, die Aufnahmeprüfung, raufnehmen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “anlegen”

We'll explore the different meanings of "anlegen" and the noun "die Anlage" and hopefully understand what taxes have to do with parks and challenges.

Vocab: anlegen, sich anlegen mit, die Anlage, die Veranlagung

The Meanings of “aufgehen”

We'll look at the various meaning(s) of "aufgehen" and see if and how they all connect. And then we'll talk about prices and how they always go up.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “eingehen”

Eingehen - to shrink, arrive, agree, wither - it’s all over the place. Eingehen is also used for being unchallenged/bored or to go in on some sort of deal.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “aufkommen”

"aufkommen" can be about arising. And "aufkommen" can also be about "hitting the ground". And as usual in German, that makes perfect sense.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “abgehen”

"abgehen" can be about a sticker coming off of a glass. But it's also a really cool colloquial term for "things happening" and you "going wild".

Vocab: abgehen, herabgehen, der Abgang, runtergehen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “aussetzen”

"Aussetzen" has an eclectic set of translations: Expose, suspend, plant, criticize, maroon, skip. Placing "outside" in some way is the core idea, though.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “zugeben”

A quick, fun look at the meaning of "zugeben" and the noun "die Zugabe" that'll make you go like "Encore!" :)

Prefix Verbs Explained – “aushalten”

A quick look at the meaning of "aushalten" and its brother "raushalten" and what bearing has to do with not being involved.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “vorgehen”

A quick look at the meaning of "vorgehen" and why it has the three meanings it has.

Vocab: vorgehen, der Vorgang, das Vorgehen, hervorgehen aus

Prefix Verbs Explained – “auffallen”

"auffallen" looks like an oxymoron - "to fall up". But it's actually a really useful translation for "to notice". Today, we'll learn why. Also: more verbs :)

Vocab: auffallen, auffällig, die Auffälligkeit, unauffällig

Prefix Verbs Explained – “ausmachen”

A fun look at the various meanings of "ausmachen" and what turning something off has to do with agreements, findings and bothering. Also: rausmachen.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “vorkommen”

A quick look at the meaning of "vorkommen" and why "sich vorkommen" actually became a good way to say how you feel.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “absehen”

The verb "absehen" is not very common. But the noun "die Absicht". Today, we'll find out what it means and how to say "on purpose" in German.

Vocab: absehen, die Absicht, beabsichtigen, absichtlich

Prefix Verbs Explained – “ausfallen”

A quick look at the meanings of "ausfallen" and what cancelled meetings have to do with extraordinary dresses and electricity blackouts.

Vocab: ausfallen, ausgefallen, der Ausfall, der Stromausfall, rausfallen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “aufhalten”

A quick look at "aufhalten" and what holding a door has to do with staying somewhere.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “ausgeben”

A fun look at the meaning of "ausgeben", a useful verb if you want to spend money, invite a friend for a drink or pretend to be a doctor.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “unterstellen”

"unterstellen" is both, separable and non-separable. Today, we'll learn which will help you against rain and which is generally not nice. Also: runterstellen.

Vocab: unterstellen, sich unterstellen, die Unterstellung

Prefix Verbs Explained – “ausstellen”

A quick look at "ausstellen" and its two very different meanings. Also: the difference you never knew existed - rausstellen vs herausstellen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “auslegen”

What's the meaning(s) of "auslegen"? Does it mean "to lay out"? And what is the difference to "rauslegen"? All this and more in this epic episode...

Prefix Verbs Explained – “zufallen”

What do a closing door and random coincidence have in common? They both relate to the German verb "zufallen". Today, we'll find out why.

Vocab: zufallen, der Zufall, zufällig, zufälligerweise

Prefix Verbs Explained – “abhängen”

"abhängen" is one German translation for "to depend". Today, we'll learn why it means that and how it connects to relaxing and taking down laundry.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “untergehen”

A satirical look at the meaning of "untergehen" :).

Prefix Verbs Explained – “einlegen”

A fun look at the meaning of "einlegen" and "reinlegen" what mixed pickles have to do with shoe inlays and falling for a prank.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “übergehen”

A fun look a the various meanings of "übergehen", the difference between the separable and not separable version and the words "rübergehen" and "drübergehen".

Prefix Verbs Explained – “anmachen”

"anmachen" is one of the most useful prefix verbs. Today, we'll explore the various meanings and see what connects them all. Also: ranmachen.

Vocab: anmachen, anschalten, einschalten, ranmachen, die Anmache

German Prefix Verbs Explained – “ausgehen”

A fun look at the various meanings of "ausgehen" and what party night has to do with assumptions. Also: what's up with "rausgehen".

Prefix Verbs Explained – “abheben”

"abheben" means "to lift off". And "to get cash". And "to stand out". Today, we'll explore why the verb has all these meanings and how to use it.

Prefix Verbs Explained- “auskommen”

"auskommen" looks like "to come out", but that's actually "rauskommen". "auskommen" itself is about making ends meet. And the noun "Auskunft" is "information".

Vocab: auskommen, rauskommen, die Auskunft, das Auskommen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “Einkommen”

A quick look at the meaning of "das Einkommen" and why the verb "einkommen" absolutely doesn't mean "to come in" (and what does) :)

Vocab: das Einkommen, reinkommen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “anstellen”

A quick look at the five (5!!) completely different meanings of "anstellen" and how they all connect. Definitely one of the craziest German prefix verbs.

The Meanings of “auflegen” (and “rauflegen”)

A fun look at the meanings of "auflegen" and what dj-ing has to do with making phone calls and newspapers.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “die Ausnahme”

We all know, German is full of exceptions. Today, we'll look the German word for it and learn about the prefix verb it comes from.

Vocab: die Ausnahme, ausnehmen, rausnehmen, ausnahmsweise, ausgenommen

Prefix Verb Explained- “angeben”

"angeben" can mean "give information", but it can also mean "to brag". Today, we'll see how to use it with lots of examples.

Vocab: angeben, die Angabe(n), angeblich, der Angeber

Prefix Verb Explained – “aufmachen”

A quick look at "aufmachen" and why it doesn't only mean "to open". Also: a look at the secret behind the r-verion and the super useful "raufmachen".

The Meanings of “annehmen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A fun look at the meanings of "annehmen" and what assumptions have to do with accepting and comfort.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “aufheben”

"aufheben" means "to pick up". But it has a second really useful meaning. And a third meaning. This word is definitely a keeper (hint, hint).

The Meaning (and Use) of “ansehen”

A thorough look at the meaning of "ansehen" and how to use it for looking at things, watching movies and reputation.

Vocab: ansehen, sich ansehen, das Ansehen, ansehnlich, die Ansicht

Word of the Day- “angehen”

"angehen" can mean "turning on" as well as "be one's business". But why? Today, we'll find that out and also see

Word of the Day – “anhalten”

"anhalten" means "to stop". And it also means "to continue". And there's actually a logic to it. Today, we'll find out what and also how and when to use it.

Vocab: anhalten, aufhören, stoppen, ranhalten, sich ranhalten

The Meanings of ‘umgehen’ and ‘gehen um’

A fun look at the meaning of "umgehen" and what "walking around" has to do with "handling". And also a look at the combo "gehen um" and why it's super useful.

Vocab: gehen um, umgehen

The meaning of “überlegen”

The main meaning of "überlegen" is thinking. But why? And what's the difference to "denken" and "nachdenken"? Today, we'll find out all that and more.

Vocab: überlegen, nachdenken, denken, rüberlegen

“versprechen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

"versprechen" has maybe the most ironic double meaning ever. Today, we'll find out what it means and how those two connect.

Prefix Verbs Explained – “einstellen”

"einstellen" has a few meanings that seem to have nothing to do with each other. Today, we'll find out what they are and if there is a common idea.

Word of the Day – “die Ausrede”

A good "Ausrede" is what you need if you haven't done your homework. Today, we'll learn what it is, how it's different to Entschuldigung and some more good stuff :)

Vocab: die Ausrede, die Entschuldigung, (sich) entschuldigen, ausreden (lassen), sich rausreden

Prefix Verbs Explained – “ankommen”

A fun, detailed look at the super useful meanings of "ankommen" and what arriving has to do with depending and how Germans say "It depends".

Vocab: ankommen, ankommen auf, die Ankunft

Prefix Verbs Explained – “zunehmen”

A quick look at the "zunehmen" and why it's the German translation for gaining weight.

Vocab: zunehmen, abnehmen, die Zunahme

The meaning and use of “aufhören”

"aufhören" means "to stop". But why? And what's the difference to "anhalten"? All that we'll find out in this article.

Vocab: aufhören, anhalten, hören, horchen, aufhorchen

Prefix Verbs Explained – “vorschlagen”

We'll take a quick look at the meaning of "vorschlagen" and why the Germans punch their proposals.

The meaning of “vorstellen”

"vorstellen" means "to introduce" and "to imagine". Today, we'll learn how that makes sense and how to use it for both meanings.

The meaning of “nachdenken”

"nachdenken über" means to think in a sense of pondering, "denken (an)" is about thinking in a more general sense. Today, we'll explore the use of both.

Word of the Day – “ausschlafen”

A quick look at the meaning of "ausschlafen" and its brothers "verschlafen" and "einschlafen".

Vocab: ausschlafen, verschlafen, einschlafen, schlapp, schlaff, der Schlaf, der Lappen

The Meaning (and Use) of “einfallen”

"einfallen" is one of the main German words for having an idea, but the usage is a bit tricky. Today, we'll explore and we'll also talk about "reinfallen".

Vocab: einfallen, der Einfall, einfallsreich, reinfallen