Before you start
Meet vorschlagen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
vor- + schlagen
- vor-
- forward, into view
- schlagen
- to strike
Imagine striking an idea forward so others can consider it.
So vorschlagen means to suggest; to propose.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on schlagen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: vor·schlagen
In a main clause the prefix vor splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseWir schlagen einen Film vor.We suggest a film.
Subordinate clause…, weil sie ein neues Spiel vorschlägt.…, because she suggests a new game.
Participle: vorgeschlagenzu-infinitive: vorzuschlagen
Forms
How vorschlagen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | schlage vor | schlug vor |
| du | schlägst vor | schlugst vor |
| er/sie/es | schlägt vor | schlug vor |
| wir | schlagen vor | schlugen vor |
| ihr | schlagt vor | schlugt vor |
| Sie | schlagen vor | schlugen vor |
Partizip II vorgeschlagen · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Sie schlägt einen Spaziergang vor.She suggests a walk.prefix goes to the end
- 2Er hat ein neues Spiel vorgeschlagen.He suggested a new game.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich frage, was du vorschlägst.I’m asking what you suggest.verb at the end
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
vorschlagen + der Film
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Film as the thing you suggest.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I suggested it to her yesterdaygestern.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When we were at home, he suggested a gamedas Spiel.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She suggested the busder Bus because the trainder Zug was lateverspätet.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I spokesprechen to the womandie Frau who suggested this filmder Film.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We should suggest a differentanders dayder Tag to them.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He calledanrufen me to suggest a placeder Ort for dinnerdas Abendessen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
What would you suggest if it rainedregnen tomorrowmorgen?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
vorschlagen + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense of vorschlagen.
- 2Add a dass-clause with a complete suggestion.
- 3Put the verb at the end of the dass-clause.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you suggest your friends do this weekend?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence using vorschlagen.
- 2Suggest an activity to your friends.