What Are Regular Verbs in German?
Regular verbs in German, also known as “weak verbs,” follow predictable patterns when conjugated. This means their stem remains unchanged, and only the endings vary according to the subject pronoun. Unlike irregular (strong) verbs, you do not need to memorize unique forms for each verb.
The Structure of Regular Verbs
To conjugate a regular verb in the present tense, you need to identify two parts:
- The stem: The main part of the verb, found by removing -en or -n from the infinitive.
- The ending: This changes based on who is performing the action (the subject pronoun).
Example: The Verb “machen” (to do/make)
Infinitive: machen
Stem: mach-
Present Tense Endings for Regular Verbs
Here are the typical present tense endings for regular verbs in German:
| Subject Pronoun | Ending | Example (machen) |
|---|---|---|
| ich (I) | -e | ich mache |
| du (you, singular informal) | -st | du machst |
| er/sie/es (he/she/it) | -t | er macht |
| wir (we) | -en | wir machen |
| ihr (you, plural informal) | -t | ihr macht |
| sie/Sie (they/you, formal) | -en | sie machen / Sie machen |
Step-by-Step: How to Conjugate Regular Verbs
- Start with the infinitive: For example, “lernen” (to learn).
- Remove the ending -en or -n to find the stem: “lern”.
- Add the correct ending for each subject pronoun:
- ich lerne
- du lernst
- er/sie/es lernt
- wir lernen
- ihr lernt
- sie/Sie lernen
Special Notes and Exceptions
- If the verb stem ends in -d or -t (e.g., “arbeiten” – to work), add an extra “e” before the endings -st or -t for easier pronunciation: “du arbeitest”, “er arbeitet”.
- Some verbs whose stems end in -s, -ss, -ß, -z, or -x take just -t (not -st) for “du”: e.g., “du heißt” (not “heißst”).
Practice Makes Perfect
To solidify your understanding, practice with different regular verbs like “spielen” (to play), “fragen” (to ask), or “wohnen” (to live). Form sentences about your daily activities, and try to use all subject pronouns. Don’t hesitate to use interactive tools or AI-powered resources on Talkpal to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation
Conjugating regular verbs in the present tense is a cornerstone of German grammar. By following these simple rules and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to express yourself confidently in everyday situations. For more tips, exercises, and personalized learning support, explore the resources available on Talkpal’s AI language learning blog.
