trennen
Translation
to separate, to divide, to break up, to disconnect
Examples
Wir müssen den Müll trennen.
We have to separate the trash.
Sie haben sich vor einem Jahr getrennt.
They separated a year ago.
Diese beiden Themen kann man nicht trennen.
You can't separate these two topics.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((from sth.)) to separate sth. from sth. You have to separate the yolk from the white.
((sich)) ((from sb.)) to separate/break up from sb. She broke up with her boyfriend.
((sth.)) to separate sth. In Germany, you have to separate the trash.
Similar Words
Synonyms: scheiden (to separate, divorce), teilen (to divide); Antonyms: verbinden (to connect), vereinen (to unite)
Etymology
From Old High German 'trennen', related to tearing or separating.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'train' being separated ('trennen') into individual cars.