אַוועקקומען

This category applies to Yiddish verbs that have a separable prefix. In these verbs, the prefix can be separated from the main verb in certain tenses and constructions.

Present Tense

In the present tense, verbs are conjugated by adding specific endings to the verb stem based on the subject pronoun like in simple verbs. However, for separable-prefix verbs, to get the verb stem, its prefix is separated and is added as a separate word after the main verb. Then the ending (normally ן) is removed from the main verb.

Here's an example using the verb אויפֿהערן (to start):

Past Tense

The past tense for periphrastic, reflexive, separable-prefix and simple verbs is formed in a similar manner and follows the same rules. It is formed using the auxiliary verb האָבן (to have) or זיין (to be) followed by the past participle of the main verb.

In most cases, האָבן is used, but זיין is used with verbs that indicate motion or change of state.

For separable-prefix verbs, the past participle is often formed by adding גע within the infinitive, between the prefix and the main verb, and replacing the ־ן ending with a ־ט, though there are many exceptions; in general the past participle needs to memorised.

אויפֿהערן ← אויפֿגעהערט

Using the same example with אויפֿהערן:

Future Tense

The future tense for periphrastic, reflexive, separable-prefix and simple verbs is formed in a similar manner and follows the same rules. It is formed using the auxiliary verb וועלן (will) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

Here is an example for אויפֿהערן: