Präsens - Gegenwart
Präsens — for English Speakers
Introduction
German present tense follows a similar concept to English — it describes what is happening now or generally true. However, unlike English, German has no continuous form ('I am learning' vs 'I learn'), so 'Ich lerne' covers both. Each verb gets a personal ending depending on the subject, which English only does with third-person -s.
German vs English
In German
Ich lerne — personal verb endings (-e, -st, -t, -en)
In English
English only adds -s for third person: 'he learns'
Key Difference
German changes the verb ending for every person, not just third-person singular.
In German
Ich lerne Deutsch (present tense = simple + continuous)
In English
English splits into 'I learn' and 'I am learning'
Key Difference
German uses one form where English uses two — no progressive tense exists.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Ich bin lerne Deutsch.
English speakers add 'bin' (am) to mimic the continuous form 'I am learning', but German has no progressive.
Er lerne Deutsch.
Forgetting the -t ending for third person — in English only -s changes, so endings feel optional.
Practice Examples
Ich spiele gern Fußball.
I like playing football.
Sie arbeitet in Berlin.
She works in Berlin.
Wir trinken Kaffee.
We drink coffee.
Memory Tip
Think 'E-ST-T-EN-T-EN' — the present tense endings march in pairs like a drumbeat.
View Grammar Rule
Präsens - Gegenwart
Präsens — A1
Practice Exercises
Präsens - Gegenwart Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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