Present Tense of Irregular Verbs in German

In German, like in English, there are many irregular verbs that do not follow the typical patterns of conjugation in the present tense. These verbs have unique forms for different pronouns. In this lesson, we will cover common irregular verbs and their conjugations in the present tense.

1. sein (to be)

• ich bin (I am)
• du bist (you are)
• er/sie/es ist (he/she/it is)
• wir sind (we are)
• ihr seid (you all are)
• sie/Sie sind (they are/you formal are)

2. haben (to have)

• ich habe (I have)
• du hast (you have)
• er/sie/es hat (he/she/it has)
• wir haben (we have)
• ihr habt (you all have)
• sie/Sie haben (they have/you formal have)

3. gehen (to go)

• ich gehe (I go)
• du gehst (you go)
• er/sie/es geht (he/she/it goes)
• wir gehen (we go)
• ihr geht (you all go)
• sie/Sie gehen (they go/you formal go)

4. kommen (to come)

• ich komme (I come)
• du kommst (you come)
• er/sie/es kommt (he/she/it comes)
• wir kommen (we come)
• ihr kommt (you all come)
• sie/Sie kommen (they come/you formal come)

5. sehen (to see)

• ich sehe (I see)
• du siehst (you see)
• er/sie/es sieht (he/she/it sees)
• wir sehen (we see)
• ihr seht (you all see)
• sie/Sie sehen (they see/you formal see)

6. essen (to eat)

• ich esse (I eat)
• du isst (you eat)
• er/sie/es isst (he/she/it eats)
• wir essen (we eat)
• ihr esst (you all eat)
• sie/Sie essen (they eat/you formal eat)

Note: The examples given above cover the basic conjugations of these irregular verbs in the present tense. However, it is important to note that some of these verbs may have additional irregularities in certain forms or specific contexts. It is always a good idea to consult a comprehensive German grammar guide for a more detailed explanation.

Using Irregular Verbs in Context

Now that you have learned how to conjugate these irregular verbs in the present tense, let's see how they can be used in sentences:

• Ich bin glücklich. (I am happy.)
• Wir haben einen Hund. (We have a dog.)
• Er geht zur Schule. (He goes to school.)
• Sie kommt aus Frankreich. (She comes from France.)
• Du siehst gut aus. (You look good.)
• Wir essen jeden Tag um 18 Uhr. (We eat every day at 6 o'clock.)

Remember, practice is key to mastering irregular verbs in the present tense. Try creating your own sentences using these verbs to reinforce your understanding.

Conclusion

In this lesson, you learned about the present tense conjugations of common irregular verbs in German. By familiarizing yourself with these irregularities and practicing their usage in sentences, you will gain confidence in expressing yourself accurately in German. Keep up the good work!