adverb
apart, separately
B1
An adverb meaning 'apart' or 'separately'. Used to indicate separation or things done separately (e.g., 'die Teile liegen auseinander'). Not declined; functions as local adverb or separable particle in verbs (e.g., auseinandernehmen). No auxiliary or reflexivity; commonly used with verbs to describe spatial or procedural separation.
Examples
Die beiden Teile fielen auseinander.
The two parts fell apart.
Die Familie lebt seit Jahren auseinander.
The family has been living apart for years.
Die Bretter fielen auseinander, als der Sturm stärker wurde, sodass das Dach kurzfristig repariert werden musste.
The boards fell apart when the storm grew stronger, so the roof had to be repaired at short notice.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture two puzzle pieces being pulled away from each other to show 'apart'
Sounds like 'ow-sigh-NAH' — stress the final part to remember separation
Notes
Often used to indicate physical separation or people living/working separately. It can combine with verbs (e.g., auseinanderfallen, auseinandergehen).