German Pre-fixes - Do they carry meaning?

Question

I frequently come across words like versprechen, erhalten, beliefern. Because my vocabulary is limited, i can detect that the verbs sprechen, halten and liefern were spoken but i do not know what ver-sprechen, er-halten and be-liefern mean. Is there a definite meaning of prefixes like these?

How should i tackle this topic of prefixes so that when a verb with a prefix is spoken, i can guess/know what it would mean. Thanks

yes, there is but hardly can it be framed in a catchy manner. You can either accept up to 5 different concepts or you have to settle for a REALLY vague and abstract idea that each prefix kind of sort of represents... they are an integral part of German and you will likely spend some time on them. — Emanuel, May 06 '13 at 20:33
possible duplicate of Explanation of the prefix "er" and The prefix "ver-" and its meaning and What are the origin & possible meanings of the ver- prefix? and Reference work on prefixes, suffixes, etc.. — Eugene Seidel, May 07 '13 at 03:02
Has there been a software update? The suggestions in the "Related" sidebar are getting better. — Eugene Seidel, May 07 '13 at 03:05

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 07 '13 at 05:35

1

there is a difference, and you cant say its general this (...) way.

for example sprechen means talking. but versprechen means promise or to misspeak

you have to learn them, there isnt a general rule i guess

answered May 07 '13 at 05:35

Postback

441
2
5

German Pre-fixes - Do they carry meaning?

1 Answers1