Separable verbs: the prefix flies to the end

Many Dutch verbs are a small word glued onto a verb: op + bellen, aan + komen, mee + gaan, uit + leggen. In a main clause the glued-on part detaches and sprints to the end of the sentence.

• opbellen → Ik bel je op.

  to phone → I'll phone you.

• meegaan → Ga je mee?

  to come along → Are you coming?

• uitleggen → Kun je dat uitleggen?

  to explain → Can you explain that?

  stays glued after a modal

• aankomen → De trein komt om acht uur aan.

  to arrive → The train arrives at eight.

It splits in a main clause. It stays whole after a modal verb (kunnen, willen, moeten) and in subordinate clauses.