15 German verbs to know absolutely as a beginner

Kickstart your German language learning journey by mastering these 15 essential verbs. As a beginner, knowing these verbs will help you form basic sentences and express yourself in various situations. From common verbs like "to be" and "to have" to action verbs like "to eat" and "to go," this list will provide you with a strong foundation in German verb usage.

We will give you the most commonly used verbs in German, they are essential for building basic vocabulary and understanding of the language. Knowing these verbs will allow you to communicate more effectively and understand the language more easily. Please note that all the verbs listed are regular or irregular, it's important to remember that irregular verbs conjugation don't follow a pattern, while regular verbs do.

If you want to learn German in the most productive and efficient way, register for free on Univext and book a class with one of our teachers today. Our teachers will know how to help you and will find a personal approach for each student.

Irregular Verbs

"Sein"

ENG: To be

This is one of the most important verbs in German, as it is used to indicate the existence or presence of something. As a linking verb, "sein" is also used to indicate a state or condition. In the present tense, the conjugation of "sein" changes depending on the subject, for example, "ich bin" (I am), "du bist" (you are), "er/sie/es ist" (he/she/it is), "wir sind" (we are), "ihr seid" (you are), "sie sind" (they are). In the past tense, "sein" is used as a helping verb with past participle to form the perfect tense: "Ich bin gegangen" (I have gone).

“Sein" can be used as a linking verb, a helping verb, and a main verb. "Sein" is also used as an auxiliary verb in the passive voice, for example "Das Haus wird gebaut" (The house is being built).

"Haben"

ENG: To have

This verb is used to indicate possession or ownership. In the present tense, the conjugation of "haben" changes depending on the subject, for example, "ich habe" (I have), "du hast" (you have), "er/sie/es hat" (he/she/it has), "wir haben" (we have), "ihr habt" (you have), "sie haben" (they have).

"Haben" is the second most important verb in German, after "sein". The conjugation of "haben" is irregular and it is also used as an auxiliary verb in the perfect tense: "Ich habe gegessen" (I have eaten). An interesting fact is that "haben" is used to indicate possession of body parts, while "sein" is used to indicate possession of character traits, for example "Ich habe zwei Arme" (I have two arms) and "Ich bin glücklich" (I am happy).

"Werden"

ENG: To become

This verb is used to indicate a future action or state. The conjugation of "werden" is the same for all subjects: "ich werde" (I will), "du wirst" (you will), "er/sie/es wird" (he/she/it will), "wir werden" (we will), "ihr werdet" (you will), "sie werden" (they will). For example, "Ich werde ein Arzt" (I will become a doctor).

It is an irregular verb and its conjugation does not change depending on the subject. An interesting fact is that "werden" can also be used as a modal verb to indicate probability or likelihood of an action, for example "Es wird regnen" (It will rain) or "Das wird schwierig" (That will be difficult).

Tun

ENG: To do

This verb is used to indicate an action or activity, it can also be used to indicate a habit or tendency. The conjugation of "tun" is the same for all subjects: "ich tue" (I do), "du tust" (you do), "er/sie/es tut" (he/she/it does), "wir tun" (we do), "ihr tut" (you do), "sie tun" (they do). Example: "Was tust du?" (What are you doing?)

"Tun" is an irregular verb and it can also be used to indicate a habit or tendency. An interesting fact is that "tun" is often used in idiomatic expressions, for example "Es tut mir leid" (I am sorry) or "Ich tue, was ich kann" (I am doing what I can).

sagen

ENG: To say

This verb is used to indicate speech or communication. It can also be used to indicate a statement or declaration. The conjugation of "sagen" is the same for all subjects: "ich sage" (I say), "du sagst" (you say), "er/sie/es sagt" (he/she/it says), "wir sagen" (we say), "ihr sagt" (you say), "sie sagen" (they say). Example: "Ich sage dir die Wahrheit" (I am telling you the truth).

An interesting fact is that "sagen" can also be used in idiomatic expressions, for example "Das sagt mir nichts" (That means nothing to me) or "Ich sage es dir später" (I'll tell you later).

Regular Verbs

"Gehen"

ENG: To go

"Gehen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate movement or travel from one place to another. The conjugation of "gehen" is regular and it follows the pattern: gehe (I go), gehst (you go), geht (he/she/it goes), gehen (we go), geht (you go), gehen (they go). An example of use is "Ich gehe nach Hause" (I am going home).

An interesting fact is that "gehen" can also be used to indicate that something is happening, for example "Es geht mir gut" (I am fine) or "Es geht los" (It is starting).

"Kommen""

ENG: To come

"Kommen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate movement or travel towards a particular place. The conjugation of "kommen" is regular and it follows the pattern: komme (I come), kommst (you come), kommt (he/she/it comes), kommen (we come), kommt (you come), kommen (they come). An example of use is "Ich komme aus Deutschland" (I come from Germany).

An interesting fact is that "kommen" can also be used to indicate the arrival of something or someone, for example "Die Gäste kommen um 7 Uhr" (The guests are coming at 7pm) or "Der Frühling kommt" (Spring is coming).

"Geben"

ENG: To give

"Geben" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the transfer of possession or ownership from one person to another. The conjugation of "geben" is regular and it follows the pattern: gebe (I give), gibst (you give), gibt (he/she/it gives), geben (we give), gebt (you give), geben (they give). An example of use is "Ich gebe dir das Buch" (I am giving you the book).

"Geben" can also be used to indicate a piece of advice or information, for example "Ich gebe dir einen Tipp" (I'll give you a tip) or "Ich gebe zu, dass ich falsch lag" (I admit that I was wrong).

"Nehmen"

ENG: To take

"Nehmen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the acquisition or possession of something. The conjugation of "nehmen" is regular and it follows the pattern: nehme (I take), nimmst (you take), nimmt (he/she/it takes), nehmen (we take), nehmt (you take), nehmen (they take). An example of use is "Ich nehme das Auto" (I am taking the car).

"Nehmen" can also be used to indicate the measurement or size of something, for example "Wie viel nimmst du?" (How much are you taking?) or "Das Haus nimmt 200 Quadratmeter" (The house is 200 square meters).

"Machen"

ENG: To make

"Machen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the creation or production of something. It can also be used to indicate an action or activity. The conjugation of "machen" is regular and it follows the pattern: mache (I make), machst (you make), macht (he/she/it makes), machen (we make), macht (you make), machen (they make). An example of use is "Ich mache Hausaufgaben" (I am doing homework).

"Machen" is also used in idiomatic expressions, for example "Das macht nichts" (It doesn't matter) or "Ich mache mir Sorgen" (I am worried).

"Finden"

ENG: To find

"Finden" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the act of discovering or locating something. The conjugation of "finden" is regular and it follows the pattern: finde (I find), findest (you find), findet (he/she/it finds), finden (we find), findet (you find), finden (they find). An example of use is "Ich finde meinen Schlüssel" (I find my key).

An interesting fact is that "finden" can also be used to indicate a positive opinion or assessment of something, for example "Ich finde es gut" (I think it's good) or "Das finde ich schön" (I think it's beautiful).

"Denken"

ENG: To think

"Denken" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the act of considering or reflecting on something. The conjugation of "denken" is regular and it follows the pattern: denke (I think), denkst (you think), denkt (he/she/it thinks), denken (we think), denkt (you think), denken (they think). An example of use is "Ich denke über deinen Vorschlag nach" (I am thinking about your proposal).

This verb can also be used to indicate a plan or intention, for example "Ich denke, ich gehe nach Hause" (I think I will go home).

"Sehen"

ENG: To see

"Sehen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the act of perceiving something through sight. The conjugation of "sehen" is regular and it follows the pattern: sehe (I see), siehst (you see), sieht (he/she/it sees), sehen (we see), seht (you see), sehen (they see). An example of use is "Ich sehe den Film" (I see the movie).

An interesting fact is that "sehen" can also be used to indicate the understanding or recognition of something, for example "Ich sehe, was du meinst" (I see what you mean) or "Ich sehe es jetzt" (I understand it now).

"Wissen"

ENG: To know

"Wissen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the possession of knowledge or information. The conjugation of "wissen" is regular and it follows the pattern: weiß (I know), weißt (you know), weiß (he/she/it knows), wissen (we know), wisst (you know), wissen (they know). An example of use is "Ich weiß es nicht" (I don't know).

"Wissen" can also be used to indicate certainty or conviction, for example "Ich weiß, dass es wahr ist" (I know it's true) or "Ich weiß es besser" (I know better).

"Fühlen"

ENG: To feel

"Fühlen" is a regular verb and it is used to indicate the act of experiencing emotions or sensations. The conjugation of "fühlen" is regular and it follows the pattern: fühle (I feel), fühlst (you feel), fühlt (he/she/it feels), fühlen (we feel), fühlt (you feel), fühlen (they feel). An example of use is "Ich fühle mich gut" (I feel good).

An interesting fact is that "fühlen" can also be used to indicate a physical sensation or touch, for example "Ich fühle meinen Puls" (I feel my pulse) or "Das fühlt sich kalt an" (That feels cold).

Conclusion

As a beginner in German, it is crucial to have a solid grasp of the verbs "sein" (to be), "haben" (to have), "werden" (to become), "tun" (to do), and "sagen" (to say), as well as the regular verbs "gehen" (to go), "kommen" (to come), "geben" (to give), "nehmen" (to take), and "machen" (to make).

Verbs like "sein," "haben," and "werden" are used to express identity and possession, while "tun" and "sagen" are used for actions and communication. Additionally, verbs like "gehen," "kommen," "geben," "nehmen," and "machen" are used in everyday situations and are necessary for expressing movement and actions.

By learning and practicing these verbs, you will be able to build a strong foundation for your German language skills and be able to communicate effectively with native speakers. It's important not just to know the meaning and usage of these verbs but also to know how to conjugate them correctly. By mastering these verbs, you will be well on your way to becoming a proficient German speaker.

In conclusion, we invite you to register on Univext and take a course with one of our teachers who will be able to adapt to your needs and help you master these verbs like a pro.

Memory exercise