Verbs in German

Regular vs. Irregular Verbs

Irregular Verbs

Have unique forms that often require memorization (e.g., sehen – to see).

Regular Verbs

Follow predictable conjugation patterns (e.g., spielen – to play).

Note: Irregular verbs often diverge from these endings and require special attention.

Past Tense (Präteritum, Example: spielen)

Conjugation Tables

Present Tense (Example: spielen)

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs modify the main verb to express ability, permission, necessity, or desire. Common modal verbs include:

• können (can, to be able to)

• müssen (must, to have to)

• dürfen (may, to be allowed to)

• wollen (want to)

• sollen (should, to be supposed to)

• mögen (to like)

Example (using können):

• ich kann

• du kannst

• er/sie/es kann

• wir können

• ihr könnt

• sie/Sie können

Separable vs. Inseparable Verbs

Inseparable Verbs

Their prefixes remain attached, and their meaning is not just a sum of the parts—for example, verstehen (to understand).

Separable Verbs

Their prefixes detach in certain tenses. For example, aufstehen (to get up) becomes "Ich stehe auf."

Tenses and Moods

• Present Tense: For current actions.

• Past Tense (Präteritum): Common in written narratives.

• Present Perfect (Perfekt): Used in spoken language for past events.

• Future Tense: To describe upcoming actions.

• Subjunctive Mood (Konjunktiv I & II): For indirect speech and hypothetical situations.

Tips for Mastering Verbs

Context Matters

Listen to native speakers and mimic verb usage.

Practice Regularly

Use flashcards and verb charts to reinforce conjugations.

Focus on Irregular Forms

Dedicate extra time to memorizing exceptions.

Write & Speak

Compose sentences and practice speaking to internalize the forms.