01
sich trennen
to separate
To end a romantic relationship or a marriage.
example
Nach vielen gemeinsamen Jahren haben sie sich überraschend getrennt.
After many years together, they separated unexpectedly.
trennen
to separate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure and usage
The verb 'trennen' (to separate) is often used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to express what is being separated from what. It can also be reflexive ('sich trennen') or simply take an accusative object ('Müll trennen' — to separate waste).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich von ihrem Freund getrennt.
She separated from her boyfriend.
Reflexive use
When talking about the end of a relationship, the verb must be used reflexively: 'sich trennen' (to separate / to break up). The person you separate from is introduced with 'von + dative'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich letzte Woche von seiner Frau getrennt.
He separated from his wife last week.
Typical collocation
In everyday life, the most common use is waste separation. The phrase 'den Müll trennen' (to separate the waste) means sorting waste by materials such as paper, glass, and plastic.
EXAMPLE
In Deutschland ist es üblich, den Müll zu trennen.
In Germany, it is common to separate waste.
Concrete example
A classic example of physical separation is 'Eier trennen' (to separate eggs). This means separating the egg yolk and the egg white from each other for a recipe.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Dessert musst du zuerst drei Eier trennen.
For this dessert, you first have to separate three eggs.
Technical context
In technical contexts, 'trennen' (to disconnect) often means to interrupt a connection. Typical phrases are 'vom Strom trennen' (to disconnect from the power), 'vom Netz trennen' (to disconnect from the network/power grid), or 'die WLAN-Verbindung trennen' (to disconnect the Wi-Fi connection).
EXAMPLE
Bevor du das Gerät reparierst, musst du es vom Strom trennen.
Before you repair the device, you have to disconnect it from the power.
Abstract separation
This meaning refers to mentally distinguishing between concepts or areas of life. A very common phrase is 'Beruf und Privatleben trennen' (to separate work and private life).
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, Fakten von persönlichen Meinungen zu trennen.
It is important to separate facts from personal opinions.
Compare with
trennen vs verlassen
to leave / rely
'verlassen' and 'sich trennen' can both have to do with the end of a relationship. 'sich trennen' is used especially when a romantic relationship or marriage ends. It often sounds more neutral and can mean that the decision comes from both people or from one side. 'jemanden verlassen' places more emphasis on one person leaving and the other being left behind. 'verlassen' is also more general and can also be used for places or groups. Learners confuse the words because both can fit in relationships. Practically speaking: for the end of the relationship, you often say 'sich trennen' (to separate); for leaving a person, 'jemanden verlassen' (to leave someone) is more likely.
trennen
Clara und ihr Freund trennen sich nach fünf gemeinsamen Jahren.
Clara and her boyfriend are separating after five years together.
verlassen
Nach dem Streit hat er seine Partnerin verlassen.
After the argument, he left his partner.
In real life
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