Separable verbs in questions

Part of Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions · Section 3 of 6

Key FactsUnit: Question Words and Role-Play FormulasGCSE

This key facts covers Separable verbs in questions within Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions for GCSE German. Revise Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions in Question Words and Role-Play Formulas for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 6 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

🔗 Separable verbs in questions

The prefix STILL goes to the end — even in a question:

  • Statement: Du stehst früh auf. → Question: Stehst du früh auf?
  • W-question: Wann fängt der Film an?

Verbs like aufstehen (to get up) and anfangen (to begin) keep their prefix at the end even when you ask a question.

Practice questions for Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions

In a German yes/no question (with no question word), where does the verb go?

  • A. First position — the verb comes first
  • B. Second position — same as a statement
  • C. At the end of the sentence
  • D. It does not move — word order is the same as a statement
1 markfoundation

Which is the correct German yes/no question for 'Do you live in Berlin?'

  • A. Du wohnst in Berlin?
  • B. Wo wohnst du Berlin?
  • C. Wohnst du in Berlin?
  • D. Wohnen du in Berlin?
1 markfoundation

Quick recall flashcards

Darf ich...?
May I...? — A polite request for permission with the modal 'dürfen'. Darf ich hier sitzen? = May I sit here? Modal first, infinitive 'sitzen' at the end.
Was machst du?
What are you doing? — Question word 'was' (position 1), verb 'machst' (position 2), subject 'du' (position 3).

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The two question types

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Answering: ja / nein / doch

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