Introduction
Einführung
Also know as the narrative past or imperfect, this tense describes past events that are interrelated within a timeframe that is not the present. Hence, being called the narrative past.
It is equivalent to saying in English "I went" (ich gehen) or "you spoke" (du sprechen).
However, unlike English, with the exception of the modal and auxiliary verbs, it is rarely used except in writing and formal occasions. Generally, the more norther the region of German-speaking Europe the more it is used.
The more common conversational past tense is the present perfect. This is used by combining the verbs haben or sein with the past participle.
For example, "I went" is more commonly said as Ich gegangen bin (I am gone) and "You spoke" as Du hast gesprochen (You have spoken).
It is equivalent to saying in English "I went" (ich gehen) or "you spoke" (du sprechen).
However, unlike English, with the exception of the modal and auxiliary verbs, it is rarely used except in writing and formal occasions. Generally, the more norther the region of German-speaking Europe the more it is used.
The more common conversational past tense is the present perfect. This is used by combining the verbs haben or sein with the past participle.
For example, "I went" is more commonly said as Ich gegangen bin (I am gone) and "You spoke" as Du hast gesprochen (You have spoken).
Vocabulary
Wortschatz
Verb Conjugations
Verben konjugieren
non-finite
unendlich
indicative
Indikativ
present
Präsens
preterite
Präteritum
subjunctive
Konjunktiv
imperative
Imperativ
Related Lessons
Thematisch ähnliche Unterrichtseinheiten
Food
Essen
Present Tense
Das Präsens
Imperative Mood
Der Imperativ
Present Subjunctive
Der Konjunktiv