How to conjugate verbs in the past tense in German

The structure of a verb in German consists of 2 parts: Verbstamm (verb stem) + verb ending. For example, in the verb laufen: Verbstamm (lauf-) + verb ending (-en). The majority of verbs end with the ending -en, and some verbs end with the ending -n. In the article below, we will explore together how to conjugate verbs in the past tense.

1. For the majority of regular verbs (regelmäßige Verben): Verbstamm (verb stem) + t + Personalendung

- When the verb stem ends in t, d, m, n: Verbstamm + et + Personalendung.

2. For irregular verbs (unregelmäßige Verben): Verb stem in the past tense (Verbstamm im Präteritum) + Personalendung

The past tense of some special verbs:

!!! Note:

- The simple past tense is used when describing actions or events that occurred and were completed in the past.

- The simple past tense has a similar function to the present perfect tense, but the present perfect tense is used mainly in spoken language, personal letters or emails. The simple past tense is used in written language (news, reports, books, etc.).

- The verbs sein, haben, werden and the modal verbs are mainly used in the simple past tense.