Language
German
Level
A0
Unit
Einführung in die Zeiten
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The simple past (Präteritum) describes completed actions in the past.

When to use it

Use it for finished actions or events in the past, especially in writing.

Key forms

  • ich + Verb (te)
  • du + Verb (test)
  • er/sie/es + Verb (te)
  • wir + Verb (ten)
  • ihr + Verb (tet)
  • sie/Sie + Verb (ten)

Examples

Ich arbeitete gestern.

English: I worked yesterday.

Sie ging früh nach Hause.

English: She went home early.

Wir sahen den Film nicht.

English: We did not see the movie.

Riefst du ihn an?

English: Did you call him?

Tips

  • Regular verbs add -te endings in the past.
  • Many common verbs are irregular and have special forms.
  • In conversation, Germans often use 'haben/sein' + Partizip II (Perfekt) instead.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Irregular verbs like 'gehen' (ging), 'sehen' (sah), and 'haben' (hatte) do not follow the regular pattern.

Verify this grammar point in German reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

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