Morphology Patterns
Understand how German words are built from prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Learn the meaning of common word parts and expand your vocabulary.
Prefixes
Word parts added before the root
Germanic origin, indicates connection/joining.
Germanic, noun-forming prefix
Germanic origin, indicates a process or action.
Germanic origin, intensifying prefix meaning 'high'.
From Middle High German 'under', meaning 'under, below'. Indicates a subordinate relationship.
German, meaning 'federal'.
German prefix meaning 'development', derived from 'entwickeln'.
Germanic, though functions as part of the compound.
German, relating to a state/region; Genitive attribute
Germanic origin, indicates 'out of', 'from', or 'completely'
German, meaning 'self-', reflexive/intensifying prefix.
Greek origin, meaning 'distant'
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Roots
Core meaning-bearing word parts
Germanic origin, meaning 'speed'.
From 'schwinden' (to decrease), Germanic origin.
German, derived from Latin 'communicatio', meaning 'communication'.
Germanic, from 'treiben' (to drive, operate).
German, meaning 'insurance', from 'versichern' (to insure).
Germanic origin, core meaning (water).
Germanic origin, core concept of speed.
Germanic, meaning 'economy'
German, ultimately from Old High German 'wissenshaft', related to 'wissen' (to know), meaning 'science'.
Meaning 'water', Germanic origin.
From 'Mittel' (means/medication), core meaning.
From Middle High German 'versichern', meaning 'to secure'. Noun base.
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Suffixes
Word parts added after the root
Genitive plural case marker.
Genitive plural marker.
Forms a noun, indicating action or result. Germanic origin.
Genitive singular ending.
Plural suffix, Germanic origin
Germanic nominalizing suffix, forming a noun.
Plural ending.
Genitive plural marker, linking the roots.
Genitive plural marker
German, feminine plural inflectional ending for professions.
Meaning 'company', Middle High German origin 'geselschaft'.
German, meaning 'societies/companies', plural form of 'Gesellschaft'
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