German prefixes are the tiny building blocks that slip onto the front of verbs and flip their meanings completely. This list gathers around 45 of the most common prefixes you’ll meet in everyday German – the ones that appear in conversation, news, and casual reading.
Each entry gives you a plain‑English meaning and a natural example sentence, so you can see how the prefix changes a word’s job. No confusing grammar jargon – just practical vocabulary you can start using right away.
Ready to give your German verbs a little superpower boost? SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to grab the free printable Common German Prefixes vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable Common German Prefixes flashcards—your study sidekicks for spotting patterns faster and sounding extra sharp.
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Quick Quiz
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Browse the Full List
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Antike | Other | classical antiquity, ancient world |
| brät | Other | pork sausage meat |
| bullen | Verb | be on heat |
| einigermaßen | Verb | somewhat, to some extent , in some degree |
| einzahlen | Verb | pay in, deposit |
| entschieden | Other | decided, settled |
| entspannend | Adjective | relaxing |
| Enttäuschung | Other | disappointment |
| FBI | Other | FBI |
| feind | Adjective | to remain an enemy of... |
| Friede | Other | peace |
| gebeten | Other | invited |
| gefangen | Other | caught |
| genannt | Other | named, called |
| geschlagen | Other | defeated, beaten |
| gespielt | Adjective | studied indifference |
| gleichen | Verb | be like, resemble |
| Größte | Other | tallest person |
| Grundstück | Other | property, real estate, realty |
| Güte | Other | kindness, goodness |
| Hintern | Other | bottom, behind, backside |
| Homepage | Other | home page |
| jawohl | Verb | yes |
| Köchin | Other | female cook, chef |
| konservativ | Adjective | conservative |
Free Common German Prefixes PDF and Flashcards to Download
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