Introduction
The present tense in German is used to describe actions happening now, general truths, and habits. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, making them easier to learn and apply.
Conjugation Pattern
Regular verbs in German are conjugated by removing the infinitive ending “-en” and adding specific endings based on the subject pronoun.
Infinitive Example: spielen (to play)
Present Tense Conjugation
| Pronoun | Ending | Example: spielen |
|---|---|---|
| ich | -e | spiele |
| du | -st | spielst |
| er/sie/es | -t | spielt |
| wir | -en | spielen |
| ihr | -t | spielt |
| sie/Sie | -en | spielen |
Examples
- Ich spiele Fußball. (I play soccer.)
- Du spielst Gitarre. (You play guitar.)
- Er spielt Klavier. (He plays piano.)
- Wir spielen zusammen. (We play together.)
- Ihr spielt im Park. (You all play in the park.)
- Sie spielen jeden Tag. (They play every day.)
Key Points
- The verb stem remains consistent: spiel-.
- Endings change according to the subject pronoun.
- The wir, sie, and Sie forms are identical, making them easy to remember.
Common Regular Verbs
| Infinitive | Meaning |
|---|---|
| machen | to do/make |
| lernen | to learn |
| arbeiten | to work |
| kochen | to cook |
| tanzen | to dance |
Practice Sentences
- Ich mache die Hausaufgaben. (I do the homework.)
- Du lernst Deutsch. (You learn German.)
- Sie kocht das Abendessen. (She cooks dinner.)
- Wir tanzen gerne. (We like to dance.)
- Ihr arbeitet im Büro. (You all work in the office.)
- Sie spielen Karten. (They play cards.)
Conclusion
Mastering the present tense with regular verbs provides a solid foundation for communicating in German. By recognizing the pattern and practicing with common verbs, you’ll build confidence in forming sentences and expressing ideas clearly.