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German Phrase

Wir können uns in kleine Gruppen aufteilen.

/viːɐ̯ ˈkœnən ʊns ɪn ˈklaɪ̯nə ˈɡʁuːpən ˈaʊ̯fˌtaɪ̯lən/
Meaning"We can split up into small groups."
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Meaning

‘We can split up into small groups.’ The sentence suggests a possible way to organise people, often used when a larger group needs to work on separate tasks or discussions.

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When to use

Use this phrase in classrooms, workshops, team‑building sessions, or any situation where a facilitator wants to divide participants into smaller, manageable units.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WirkönnenunsinkleineGruppenaufteilen

1

Modalverb (können)

‘können’ expresses ability or possibility and forces the infinitive verb to the end of the clause.

2

Reflexivpronomen (uns)

‘uns’ refers back to the subject ‘Wir’ and is required with the separable verb ‘aufteilen’.

3

Präposition + Akkusativ (in)

‘in’ with a destination takes the accusative case; therefore ‘kleine Gruppen’ is in the accusative.

4

Adjektivdeklination (kleine)

With a plural noun and no article, the adjective takes the weak ending ‘-e’.

5

Trennbares Verb (aufteilen)

In main clauses the prefix ‘auf‑’ separates and moves to the sentence end.

6

Wortstellung

The modal verb occupies the second position; the infinitive ‘aufteilen’ appears at the very end.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wir können uns in kleine Gruppen aufteilen, damit jeder besser mitarbeiten kann.

We can split up into small groups so that everyone can participate better.

Gute Idee, dann bilden wir vier Gruppen zu je fünf Personen.

Good idea, then we'll form four groups of five people each.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wir können uns in kleine Gruppen teilen.

    ‘teilen’ alone does not convey the idea of distributing people; use the separable verb ‘aufteilen’.

  • Wir können uns in kleiner Gruppen aufteilen.

    After ‘in’ you need the accusative case; the adjective must agree with the plural noun.

  • Wir können uns in kleine Gruppen aufteilen.

    The reflexive pronoun is mandatory with ‘aufteilen’ when the subject splits itself.

  • Wir können uns aufteilen in kleine Gruppen.

    Do not place the prefix ‘auf‑’ before the verb; it must be separated and placed at the end of the clause.

↔Alternatives

  • Wir können uns in kleine Teams aufteilen.

    We can split up into small teams.

  • Wir teilen uns in kleinere Gruppen auf.

    We divide ourselves into smaller groups.

  • Lass uns in kleine Gruppen aufteilen.

    Let's split into small groups.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking schools and companies, dividing a class or staff into ‘Gruppen’ is a standard method for interactive learning. The verb ‘aufteilen’ stresses the act of distributing people or items, whereas ‘teilen’ alone can sound more general. Remember that in formal settings you might hear ‘Arbeitsgruppen’ (working groups) instead of just ‘Gruppen’.