The German present tense (Präsens) is the most common tense used in everyday conversations. It helps you describe what’s happening now, what happens regularly, and sometimes even what will happen soon. This beginner’s guide will teach you when and how to use it correctly—with easy rules, tables, and examples.
What Is the Present Tense in German?
The German present tense (Präsens) is used to talk about actions that are happening now or happen regularly. Unlike English, it can also describe future actions in certain contexts.
Example:
Ich lerne Deutsch. [ˈɪç ˈlɛʁnə ˈdɔʏtʃ] – I am learning German.
Why Should Beginners Learn the German Present Tense First?
The German present tense is the foundation of the language. It’s the first tense you need to master to speak, write, and understand German in daily life. Most textbooks and courses begin with Präsens for this reason.
When Do You Use the Present Tense in German?
- To describe actions happening right now: Er arbeitet. – He is working.
- To talk about habits or routines: Wir frühstücken jeden Morgen. – We eat breakfast every morning.
- To talk about the future (with time words): Ich fahre morgen nach Berlin. – I’m going to Berlin tomorrow.
German Present Tense: Regular Verb Conjugation Explained
To conjugate a regular verb, remove -en from the infinitive and add the correct ending:
| Pronoun | Ending | Example (lernen) |
|---|---|---|
| ich | -e | lerne |
| du | -st | lernst |
| er/sie/es | -t | lernt |
| wir | -en | lernen |
| ihr | -t | lernt |
| sie/Sie | -en | lernen |
How to Conjugate Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense
Some verbs change their stem vowel in the du and er/sie/es forms.
Example: fahren (to drive)
- ich fahre
- du fährst
- er/sie/es fährt
These changes are common in verbs like sehen → siehst, essen → isst.
Using Modal Verbs in the German Present Tense
Modal verbs express ability, necessity, or desire. They’re followed by an infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Example: Ich kann gut kochen. – I can cook well.
Common modal verbs: können, müssen, wollen, dürfen, sollen, mögen.
German Present Tense vs English Present Tense: Key Differences
- German has only one present tense form, while English has simple and continuous forms.
- German often uses the present tense for near-future events.
Example: Morgen gehe ich ins Kino. – I’m going to the cinema tomorrow.
German Present Tense Examples: Sentences with Translation
- Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben. – I’m doing my homework.
- Wir gehen heute einkaufen. – We’re going shopping today.
- Er spielt gern Fußball. – He likes playing football.
Common Mistakes with German Present Tense and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting subject-verb agreement (e.g., “du lerne” ❌ instead of “du lernst” ✅)
- Using “sein” incorrectly – remember its irregular forms!
- Incorrect word order in questions or with time phrases.
Practice Tips: How to Get Better at Using Present Tense
- Practice with flashcards and verb charts daily.
- Use language apps like Duolingo or LingQ.
- Write 3 sentences every day using the German present tense.
Quick Quiz: Test Your German Present Tense Skills
Fill in the blanks with the correct form:
- Ich ______ (spielen) Gitarre.
- Du ______ (lernen) Deutsch.
- Er ______ (haben) einen Hund.
Free PDF: German Present Tense Conjugation Chart
Download a printable PDF with common regular and irregular verb forms in the German present tense to keep as a quick reference.
Conclusion: Master Daily German with the Present Tense
The German present tense is essential for daily conversations, expressing your thoughts, and understanding native speakers. By learning its rules and practicing regularly, you’ll quickly gain confidence in using it correctly. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the process of learning German!