Present Tense of Regular Verbs

In this guide, we will explore how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense in German. Mastering the present tense is crucial for basic communication in German. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, making conjugation easier to learn.

Regular Verb Conjugation in the Present Tense

To conjugate regular verbs in the present tense, you need to remove the infinitive ending (-en) and add the appropriate ending based on the subject pronoun. Here's the conjugation pattern for regular verbs:

• ich (I) ➜ root form + e
• du (you, singular informal) ➜ root form + st
• er/sie/es (he/she/it) ➜ root form + t
• wir (we) ➜ root form + en
• ihr (you, plural informal) ➜ root form + t
• sie/Sie (they/you, formal) ➜ root form + en

Examples

Now, let's see some examples to understand how to conjugate regular verbs:

• spielen (to play):

  • ich spiele (I play)
  • du spielst (you play)
  • er/sie/es spielt (he/she/it plays)
  • wir spielen (we play)
  • ihr spielt (you play)
  • sie/Sie spielen (they/you play)

• lernen (to learn):

  • ich lerne (I learn)
  • du lernst (you learn)
  • er/sie/es lernt (he/she/it learns)
  • wir lernen (we learn)
  • ihr lernt (you learn)
  • sie/Sie lernen (they/you learn)

Please note that these conjugation examples are for regular verbs only. Irregular verbs have different conjugation patterns, which we will cover in a separate guide.

Exceptions

There are a few common irregularities to be aware of in the conjugation of regular verbs:

• Verbs ending in -ieren (such as studieren) do not change in the du and er/sie/es forms:

  • ich studiere (I study)
  • du studierst (you study)
  • er/sie/es studiert (he/she/it studies)
  • wir studieren (we study)
  • ihr studiert (you study)
  • sie/Sie studieren (they/you study)

• Verbs with a stem ending in -s, -ß, -x, -z, -tz, or -tsch add an additional -e in the du and er/sie/es forms before adding the regular -st or -t ending:

  • ich kaufe (I buy)
  • du kaufst (you buy)
  • er/sie/es kauft (he/she/it buys)
  • wir kaufen (we buy)
  • ihr kauft (you buy)
  • sie/Sie kaufen (they/you buy)

Practice

To reinforce your understanding of regular verb conjugation in the present tense, practice regularly with exercises and use verbs in different contexts to enhance your communication skills.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to mastering this essential aspect of German grammar.

Congratulations! Now you have a solid understanding of how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. Use this knowledge to confidently express yourself in German conversations.