How Regular Verbs are Conjugated in German
In German, regular verbs follow predictable patterns when conjugated. The three main endings for regular verbs are:
- -en (most common)
- -eln (e.g., handeln - to act)
- -ern (e.g., ändern - to change)
Present Tense Conjugation of Regular Verbs
Below are some common examples of regular verbs and their conjugation in the present tense:
Example 1: Verb lernen (to learn)
| Person |
German |
English |
| ich | lerne | I learn |
| du | lernst | you learn (informal) |
| er/sie/es | lernt | he/she/it learns |
| wir | lernen | we learn |
| ihr | lernt | you all learn |
| sie/Sie | lernen | they/you (formal) learn |
Example 2: Verb spielen (to play)
| Person |
German |
English |
| ich | spiele | I play |
| du | spielst | you play (informal) |
| er/sie/es | spielt | he/she/it plays |
| wir | spielen | we play |
| ihr | spielt | you all play |
| sie/Sie | spielen | they/you (formal) play |
Example Sentences Using Regular Verbs
1. Ich lerne jeden Tag Deutsch. (I learn German every day.)
2. Er spielt Fußball mit seinen Freunden. (He plays football with his friends.)
3. Wir lernen zusammen für die Prüfung. (We study together for the exam.)
4. Sie spielt gerne Klavier. (She enjoys playing the piano.)
How to Ask and Answer Questions with Regular Verbs
- Was lernst du? (What are you learning?)
- Ich lerne Deutsch. (I am learning German.)
- Spielst du ein Instrument? (Do you play an instrument?)
- Ja, ich spiele Gitarre. (Yes, I play guitar.)