Scheidbare werkwoorden/ Separable Verbs

Revisited 26-02-2024
Separable verbs are compound verbs that consist of a verb and another word (part). This can be a noun, adverb, adjective or preposition. A list of those verbs can be found HERE

example:

AANKLEDEN

Ik ga mij AANKLEDEN (i am going to put my clothes on)

AAN = preposition

KLEDEN = verb

together: AANKLEDEN (putting clothes on)

In a sentence, first person present tense: Ik ga mij aankleden

but….

You can also use them separated in a sentence:
Ik KLEED mij AAN (i put my clothes on)

This is important to know if you want to conjugate AANKLEDEN in, for example the simple past tense or present perfect. ( explanation conjugate verbs )

When you have a Separable verb that you have to put in the simple past tense, you can NOT say:

Ik aankleedde of ik heb mij geaankleedde

You have to split the verb in two to make the sentence/ story ‘complete’:

Ik (verleden tijd  ‘kleed’ = ) kleedde + mij + AAN or;

Ik (voltooid tegenwoordige tijd) HEB mij aangekleed . For this last one please take a close look at HERE.