Question 1

How many tenses does the German language have?

Accepted Answer

German has 6 tenses: Präsens (present), Präteritum (simple past), Perfekt (present perfect), Plusquamperfekt (past perfect), Futur I (future), and Futur II (future perfect). Additionally, there are Konjunktiv I and II (subjunctive moods).

Question 2

What is the difference between Konjunktiv I and II?

Accepted Answer

Konjunktiv I is mainly used for indirect speech (reported speech). Konjunktiv II expresses hypothetical situations, wishes, and polite requests.

Question 3

How do you identify separable verbs in German?

Accepted Answer

Separable verbs have stressed prefixes like ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, vor-, zu-. In present and simple past tenses, the prefix moves to the end of the clause.

Question 4

When do you use "haben" vs "sein" as auxiliary verb?

Accepted Answer

"Sein" is used with verbs of motion (gehen, fahren) and change of state (einschlafen, sterben). Most other verbs use "haben".

German Verb Conjugator

Essentials

Modal Verbs

Irregular Verbs

Separable Verbs

Daily Life