Ich lese gerade ein Buch.
English: I am reading a book.
German does not have a present continuous tense. The simple present (Präsens) is used for actions happening now.
Use the simple present with words like 'jetzt' or 'gerade' to show something is happening now.
Ich lese gerade ein Buch.
English: I am reading a book.
Sie lernt jetzt.
English: She is studying right now.
Sie arbeiten heute nicht.
English: They are not working today.
Hörst du mir zu?
English: Are you listening to me?
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