GermanLesson 1 of 2 in the course German verbs

German Verb Forms, Prefixes, Infinitives, and Tenses

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

German verbs have recognizable patterns that help learners identify their forms and build sentences. This lesson introduces the two main verb classes, the bare infinitive, and basic features of conjugation.

German verbs are commonly classified as weak or strong. These are both regular historical systems, even though some strong verbs are often labeled “irregular” in learner textbooks.

All flashcards

What is a weak German verb?
A verb that typically forms its past with a dental consonant, often -t- or -et-, as in *fragen → fragte*.
What is a strong German verb?
A verb whose forms typically show vowel gradation, called ablaut, as in *singen → sang*.
What is the bare infinitive?
The basic dictionary form of a verb, generally formed from a root and the ending -en.
How do separable prefixes behave in a German main clause?
When the finite verb is in second position, the conjugated root stays there and the prefix moves to the end.
What forms the German perfect tense?
Present-tense *haben* or *sein* combined with a past participle.

Quiz questions

  1. In a German main clause with a separable verb, what happens when the finite verb occupies second position?Answer: The conjugated root stays in second position, and the prefix moves to the end.
  2. When does German use *um ... zu* to express purpose?Answer: When the main-clause subject and the infinitive's understood subject are the same.
  3. Which construction forms the German perfect tense?Answer: Present-tense *haben* or *sein* plus a past participle.
  4. Which German verb commonly takes a dative object without an accusative object?Answer: *helfen*
  5. What does *Ich darf nicht* mean?Answer: I am not allowed to.

Based on the Wikipedia article German verbs, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in German

All German lessons
GermanGermanic Umlaut: Sound Change, Grammar, and Modern German Spelling5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →GermanSubjunctive Forms and Uses Across Germanic, Romance, and Other Languages5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →