Word formation: prefixes un-, miss-, ur-
B2 · Upper-Intermediate · Style & Precision
The rule
Negative or intensifying prefixes.
How it works
The prefixes un-, miss- and ur- change the meaning of a word. Un- makes an adjective or noun negative (möglich → unmöglich, Glück → Unglück). Miss- means "wrongly" or "badly" (verstehen → missverstehen). Ur- means "original" or "primeval" (Ursprung, Urlaub). Not every word accepts these prefixes, so check a dictionary.
When to use it
Make negative or intensifying words with un-, miss- and ur-, such as unmöglich (impossible) and missverstehen (misunderstand).
Use cases
- Describing an impossible situation: Das ist unmöglich
- Describing a misunderstanding: Ich habe das missverstanden
- Describing an origin: Das ist der Ursprung der Sprache
Examples
- unmöglich – impossible
- Missverständnis – misunderstanding
- Der Plan ist unpraktisch. – The plan is impractical.
- Der Koch hat das Rezept missachtet. – The cook ignored the recipe.
- Die Urzeit war sehr lang. – Prehistory was very long.
Common mistake
Adding these prefixes to any word; check the dictionary, as not every word takes them.
Memory tip
Un- negates an adjective (unmöglich), miss- means wrongly, ur- means original or very.