EN→DE: German separable verbs in lyrics

When you do English→German word‑by‑word translation, separable verbs are a top “where did it go?” moment. German can split a verb into a core + a prefix, and the prefix may land near the end of the clause.

Definition: separable verbs split into a stem + prefix in main clauses. The prefix moves to the end.

Mini example (invented)

Infinitive: aufstehen. Split form: ich stehe … auf.

High-frequency prefixes you’ll hear in songs

• auf- (up/open): aufstehen, aufwachen
• an- (on/at): anfangen, anrufen
• mit- (with): mitkommen, mitgehen
• zurück- (back): zurückkommen

Two questions to ask while aligning

• Where is the prefix? (end of clause, or even next line)
• What English phrasal verb fits? (get up, wake up, start, call, come back)

In songs, this split can even cross line breaks. Alignment helps you map the English phrasal verb to the German split form.

Try a German chorus in 10alect and watch how the prefix lines up. For a broader routine, start with the 20‑minute method.