The Verb Fallen And Different Prefixes

The verb "fallen" means "to fall." It can be combined with various prefixes to create new verbs, each with a distinct meaning. Here's an overview of how different prefixes alter its meaning, along with examples of each form:

1. Abfallen
2. Meaning: To fall off, to decline
3. Prefix Meaning: "Ab-" generally means "off" or "away."
4. Impact: This prefix gives the sense of separation or detachment.
5. Example: Die Blätter fallen im Herbst ab. (The leaves fall off in autumn.)

6. Etymology: Combines "ab" (off) and "fallen" (to fall), indicating a movement away from a source.

7. Anfallen

8. Meaning: To attack, to accrue
9. Prefix Meaning: "An-" means "at" or "on."
10. Impact: Adds a sense of direction towards something, often implying an attack or onset.
11. Example: Der Hund fiel den Postboten an. (The dog attacked the mailman.)

12. Etymology: Combines "an" (on/at) with "fallen," suggesting an aggressive movement towards.

13. Auffallen

14. Meaning: To stand out, to be noticeable
15. Prefix Meaning: "Auf-" means "up" or "upon."
16. Impact: Suggests something becoming noticeable or standing out.
17. Example: Ihr rotes Kleid fällt wirklich auf. (Her red dress really stands out.)

18. Etymology: Combines "auf" (up) with "fallen," implying something catching attention by rising into view.

19. Ausfallen

20. Meaning: To fail, to be canceled, to drop out
21. Prefix Meaning: "Aus-" means "out."
22. Impact: Implies falling out or a failure/absence.
23. Example: Der Flug ist wegen schlechten Wetters ausgefallen. (The flight was canceled due to bad weather.)

24. Etymology: Combines "aus" (out) with "fallen," indicating a falling out from a normal state or schedule.

25. Durchfallen

26. Meaning: To fail (an exam), to fall through
27. Prefix Meaning: "Durch-" means "through."
28. Impact: Conveys the idea of falling through something, often implying failure.
29. Example: Er ist bei der Prüfung durchgefallen. (He failed the exam.)

30. Etymology: Combines "durch" (through) with "fallen," indicating a fall that continues through a medium or situation.

31. Einfallen

32. Meaning: To collapse, to come to mind
33. Prefix Meaning: "Ein-" means "in" or "into."
34. Impact: Suggests something collapsing inward or an idea coming to mind.
35. Example: Mir ist eine gute Idee eingefallen. (A good idea came to mind.)

36. Etymology: Combines "ein" (in/into) with "fallen," indicating a falling into a space or a mental process.

37. Entfallen

38. Meaning: To be omitted, to slip one's mind
39. Prefix Meaning: "Ent-" often implies separation or removal.
40. Impact: Conveys omission or something being forgotten.
41. Example: Der Termin ist mir entfallen. (I forgot the appointment.)

42. Etymology: Combines "ent" (away/from) with "fallen," suggesting something falling away from memory or consideration.

43. Gefallen

44. Meaning: To please, to like
45. Prefix Meaning: "Ge-" is often used as a prefix to form past participles or can denote completion.
46. Impact: Changes the verb to mean to please or to like.
47. Example: Das Bild gefällt mir. (I like the picture.)

48. Etymology: Combines "ge" with "fallen," transforming the meaning to a state of causing pleasure.

49. Herunterfallen

50. Meaning: To fall down
51. Prefix Meaning: "Herunter-" means "down from."
52. Impact: Implies falling down from a higher place.
53. Example: Die Vase ist vom Tisch heruntergefallen. (The vase fell down from the table.)
54. Etymology: Combines "herunter" (down from) with "fallen," indicating a downward movement.