August 2016

German A1, A2 Exam Preparation:Speaking

Classroom - German, General, Learn German /

Preparation for A1, A2 German Exams in Coimbatore

German Speaking Test Modal Exam Video German Language Course for Beginners (Level A1) Level A1 (Basic User 1) of the Common European Framework for Reference of Languages. The curriculum for the A1 German language course includes:
  • introducing oneself and others
  • asking for someone’s name and origin
  • greeting someone
  • spelling in German
  • starting a conversation
  • stating and understanding figures, quantities, time and prices
  • ordering and paying in a restaurant
  • naming and asking for things/objects
  • analysing simple graphs
  • describing a flat or house
  • describing a geographical location
  • speaking about countries, cities, their languages
  • making an appointment
  • describing ones holiday
  • talking about hobbies
  • describing people, the clothes they wear
  • understanding weather reports and describing the weather
  • understanding short written messages, public notices and classified advertisements
  • filling in personal details and basic information on forms
  • writing brief personal messages/ Emails,
  • formulating and responding to common everyday queries and requests.
  • answering simple questions relating to everyday life,
  • understanding what one hears in everyday situations, such as simple questions,
  • instructions and messages, as well as messages on an answerphone, public
  • announcements and brief conversations.

How to prepare for the A1 Level Sprechen part?

In the speaking part of the A1 German Examination as the introductory part the participants are led by two teachers who organise the Sprechen part . The exam session may consist of four to five participants. The first part of the speaking test consists of the following framework for the participants to introduce themselves one by one following an example by the presenter who normally may be from Goethe Institut.

1.Name?

2.Alter?

3.Land?

4.Wohnort?

5.Sprachen?

6.Beruf?

7.Hobby?

The participant has to start with giving his name and go on with how old he or she is , where he comes from, where he lives, what languages he speaks, what his profession is and finally what his hobbies are. Well, it is as simple as that! What does A1 mean? It means the proficiency level you have to be at in German, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Language. You would have reached the A1 proficiency level when you are able to:
  • Understand familiar, concrete expressions necessary to carry out the basic needs of day-to-day life.
  • Introduce yourself to people and give personal details.
  • Maintain limited communication with another person, provided he or she understands your limitations.
So you should be able to do things like ask and tell time, buy goods, order meals, and ask for simple directions. With both the Goethe Exams, there are two portions of the A1 exam:
  • A written examination that tests your listening, reading, and writing skills, which lasts 65 minutes.
  • An oral examination that tests your speaking skills, which lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
So you should be able to do the following at an A1 level namely listening, reading, writing, and speaking. To reach the A1 level, plan for about 75 to 100 total hours of studying. This means that if you study two hours a day, you could be ready in six to eight weeks. When you’re in a German-speaking country, you’re bound to find yourself in a number of situations where you need to ask a lot of questions as you find your way around — for example, where the nearest bank is or how long the train will be delayed — or you may simply need to ask someone to speak more slowly. You many find the following vocabulary useful in various situations. These expressions can help you get the attention of someone, excuse yourself, or ask someone to repeat himself:

  • Entschuldigung! (I’m sorry./Excuse me.)

  • Entschuldigen Sie, bitte! (Excuse me, please./I beg your pardon.)

  • Entschuldigung? (Pardon?)

  • Verzeihung bitte. (Excuse me./Pardon me.)

  • Verzeihung! (Sorry!)

  • Wie bitte? (Pardon?/Sorry?/I beg your pardon?) You use this phrase when you don’t understand what someone has said.

After you get the person’s attention, you may need to follow up with a request for help. The following are some common requests for getting help and asking someone to repeat himself or to speak more slowly:

  • Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? (Could you help me, please?)

  • Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Could you repeat that, please?)

  • Könnten Sie bitte langsamer sprechen? (Could you please speak more slowly?)

In a restaurant, you can get service with the following expressions. Just remember to start with Entschuldigen Sie, bitte! (Excuse me, please!)

  • Was würden Sie zum Essen empfehlen? (What would you recommend to eat?)

  • Bringen Sie mir/uns bitte die Speisekarte/die Rechnung. (Please bring me/us the menu/check.)

  • Könnten Sie bitte einen Löffel/eine Serviette bringen? (Could you bring a spoon/a napkin, please?)

  • Ich hätte gern . . . (I’d like . . .) When ordering food or drink, add the item from the menu to the end of this phrase.

When you’re shopping in a department store or other large store, the following may help you navigate it more easily:

  • Wo ist die Schmuckabteilung/Schuhabteilung? (Where is the jewelry/shoe department?)

  • Wo finde ich die Rolltreppe/die Toiletten? (Where do I find the escalator/restrooms?)

  • Haben Sie Lederwaren/Regenschirme? (Do you carry leather goods/umbrellas?)

  • Wie viel kostet das Hemd/die Tasche? (How much does the shirt/bag cost?)

  • Könnten Sie das bitte als Geschenk einpacken? (Could you wrap that as a present, please?)

When you’re walking around town and need directions on the street, the following questions can help you find your way:

  • Wo ist das Hotel Vierjahreszeiten/Hotel Continental? (Where is the Hotel Vierjahreszeiten/Hotel Continental?)

  • Gibt es eine Bank/eine Bushhaltestelle in der Nähe? (Is there a bank/bus stop near here?)

  • Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wo die Post/der Park ist? (Could you tell me where the post office/park is, please?)

These questions come in handy when you’re taking public transportation:

  • Wo kann ich eine Fahrkarte kaufen? (Where can I buy a ticket?)

  • Wie viele Haltestellen sind es zum Bahnhof/Kunstmuseum? (How many stops is it to the train station/art museum?)

  • Ist das der Bus/die U-Bahn zum Haydnplatz/Steyerwald? (Is this the bus/subway to Haydnplatz/Steyerwald?)

  • Wie oft fährt die Straßenbahn nach Charlottenburg/Obermenzing?(How often does the streetcar go to Charlottenburg/Obermenzing?)

  • Ich möchte zum Hauptbahnhof. In welche Richtung muss ich fahren?(I’d like to go to the main train station. In which direction do I need to go?)

  • Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug nach Köln/Paris ab? (Which track does the train to Cologne/Paris leave from?)

Dialogue

Read and listen to the following dialogue between two students:
Dialogue: English language.svg What’s your name? (1st Part) — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Wie heißt du? (1. Teil)
Franz Hallo, ich bin Franz. Wie heißt du?
Greta Hallo, Franz. Ich heiße Greta. Wie geht’s?
Franz Es geht mir gut. Kennst du den Lehrer?
Greta Ja, er heißt Herr Weiß.
Franz Oh, danke, Greta. Bis dann!
Greta Wiedersehen!
Now try to understand the dialogue with the help of the following list of vocabulary.
Vocabulary: English language.svg What’s your name? (1st Part) — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Wie heißt du? (1. Teil)
English German
Hello! Hallo!
I ich
I am… Ich bin …
how wie
you du
Your name is… Du heißt …
What is your name? Wie heißt du?
My name is… Ich heiße …
it es
it goes es geht
How is it going? Wie geht’s? (Longer: Wie geht es?)
me mir
good gut
I’m good. Es geht mir gut. (Shorter: Mir geht’s gut. Even shorter: Gut.)
you know du kennst
Do you know…? Kennst du …?
teacher Lehrer
yes ja
he er
His name is… Er heißt …
Mr. Herr
oh oh
thanks danke
until bis
then dann
See you! Bis dann!
on auf
again wieder
(to) see sehen
Goodbye! (Auf) Wiedersehen!
Problems: Working with the dialogue

Hellos and Goodbyes

There are many ways of saying hello and goodbye in German; some of them are:
Vocabulary: English language.svg Greetings — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Grüße
English German
Hello! Hallo!*
Servus! (used in southern Germany and eastern Austria, informal)
Moin! (used in northern Germany)
Good morning! Moin Moin! (used in northern Germany)
Guten Morgen!*
Morgen! (shorter)
Good day! Guten Tag!*
Tag! (used in Germany, shorter)
Good evening! Guten Abend!*
Hello! Grüß Gott! (used in southern Germany, Austria and South Tyrol)
Goodbye! Auf Wiedersehen!*
Wiedersehen! (shorter)
Bye! Tschüss!*
Tschau! (also spelled “ciao” as in Italian)
Servus! (used in southern Germany and eastern Austria, informal)
See you later! Bis später!*
See you! Bis dann!*
Bis bald!*
See you soon! Bis gleich!
Good night! Gute Nacht!*
*You will need to know each expression with an asterisk (*) after it. The others, of course, would be useful to know if you are traveling to regions where they are used. (As you can see, the different German-speaking regions often have their own ways of saying hello and goodbye. However, you will not be required to know any of these less common phrases for any problems or tests.) The more formal phrases are guten Morgen, guten Tag, and auf Wiedersehen. The less formal ones are tschüss, Tag, servus, and ciao. The others are somewhat neutral on the formal-informal scale.
Mr. and Mrs.
In German, Herr and Frau are used instead of Mr. and Mrs. before a last name; e.g., Mr. Schwarz – Herr Schwarz.
Vocabulary: English language.svg Mr. & Ms. — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Herr und Frau
English German
Mr. Herr
Mrs. Frau
Frau is used for married and unmarried women. Some people still use Miss – Fräulein in spoken German but it is no longer used in written German since it is considered an inappropriate discrimination of unmarried women. Literally, der Herr means the gentleman and die Frau means the woman. If you use these words without a last name after them, you have to use an article before them; e.g., der Herror die Frau. This is actually just like in English. For example:
  • The woman’s name is Mrs. Weiß – Die Frau heißt Frau Weiß.
Note also that the German translation of the man is der Mann and the lady should be translated to die Dame. Thus, without last names you would rather use these pairs:
  • man and woman – Mann und Frau
  • men and women – Männer und Frauen
  • lady and gentleman – Dame und Herr
  • ladies and gentlemen – Damen und Herren

Replies to Wie geht’s?

There are many ways to reply to the question Wie geht’s? Here are some of them:
Vocabulary: English language.svg How are you? — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Wie geht’s?
English German
How are you? Wie geht’s? (longer: Wie geht es dir?)*
great prima
good gut
very good sehr gut
miserable miserabel
bad schlecht
not (so) good nicht (so) gut
O.K. ganz gut
all right Es geht so. (Or shorter: Geht so.)
*The more formal form is Wie geht es Ihnen? After replying to the question, you could continue with:
  • And how are you? — Und wie geht es dir? (formal: Und wie geht es Ihnen?)
Or shorter:
  • And you? — Und dir? (or: Und selbst?; or formal: Und Ihnen?)
 Lesson I.2: Wie heißt du? (2. Teil)The dialogue of this lesson is a conversation between two persons: Franz and Mr. Schwarz. While Franz uses the formal Sie to address Mr. Schwarz, the latter uses the informal du to address Franz. We also discuss some grammar: subject pronouns and some important verbs in the present tense.

Dialogue

In this short dialogue Mr. Schwarz uses the informal form you – du. while Franz uses the formal translation of you – Sie. When listening to the dialogue, try to find out how the wordSie is pronounced.
Dialogue: English language.svg What’s your name? (2nd Part) — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Wie heißt du? (2. Teil)
Franz Guten Morgen. Sind Sie Herr Weiß?
Herr Schwarz Nein, ich bin Herr Schwarz. Wie heißt du?
Franz Ich heiße Franz. Danke, Herr Schwarz. Ich bin spät dran.
Herr Schwarz Bitte, Franz. Ich bin auch spät dran. Bis später!
Franz Auf Wiedersehen!
Problems: Listen carefully!
Vocabulary: English language.svg What’s your name? (2nd Part) — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Wie heißt du? (2. Teil)
English German
Good morning. Guten Morgen.
you (formal) Sie
You are… (formal) Sie sind …
Are you…? (formal) Sind Sie …?
no nein
late spät
I am late. Ich bin spät dran.
You’re welcome. Bitte.
also auch
later später
See you later. Bis später.

Sie and du

Why is Franz using the formal form of you — Sie while Mr. Schwarz is using the informal ofyou — du? First of all you should realize that Franz addresses Mr. Schwarz with his last name while Mr. Schwarz addresses Franz with his first name. This is probably the most important rule: if you (would) address someone with his or her last name, you should use the formal Sie. On the other hand, if you are using the first name, you should use du. Anything else would sound funny. Sie is the polite form. It is used to foreign people, and in order to testify respect against the interlocutor, for people you would address with Mr and Mrs. So, when do Germans address other people with their first name and say du?
  • Some cases are very clear: children, relatives, and friends are always addressed with du. (Mr. Schwarz uses du because Franz is still a child. Otherwise Mr. Schwarz would either use Sie or Franz would also use du.)
  • Students (at universities etc.) usually say du to other students and everyone else who is of their age or younger.
  • The situation is not so clear for colleagues in companies. Fortunately, there is another rule for grown-ups: any two grown-ups address each other in the same way, either withdu or Sie, but never does only one of them use du and the other Sie. Thus, if in doubt, you can just copy how the other person addresses you.
  • In all other situations you should use Sie. If a German thinks that it would be more appropriate to say du, he or she will be happy to suggest to use du. On the other hand, it is almost always considered impolite to go from du to Sie; thus, you shouldn’t put someone in a position where he or she wants to suggest to use Sie instead of du.
  • Note that mostly the polite form is easier to use. You just have to learn a few forms of auxiliary and modal verbs. The main verb is usually the infinitive. With the familiar address you unfortunately have to consider many more irregular verbs.

Subject Pronouns

A noun is a word that describes a thing or being, e.g. “apple”, “woman”, “man”, etc. Pronounsare the little words that refer to previously mentioned nouns, e.g. “it”, “she”, “he”, or even “we”, “him”, etc. The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. Usually it is the most active thing or being of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “The woman ate an apple.”, both “woman” and “apple” are nouns, but “woman” is the subject of the sentence because the sentence is about the action performed by the woman. (If you are curious: “apple” is the direct object of the sentence.) If we replace the nouns of the example by pronouns, the sentence becomes: “She ate it.” In this example, “she” and “it” are pronouns. The subject of this sentence is the pronoun “she” and therefore this kind of pronoun is called a subject pronoun. Now that you know about the English subject pronouns, here is a table of them with their German counterparts. Note that you corresponds to three different words in German, depending on whether you address one or more persons and whether you are using a more formal or more familiar way of addressing them.
Grammar: English language.svg Subject Pronouns — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Subjekt-Pronomina
English German
singular 1st person I ich
2nd person you du, Sie*
3rd person he, she, it er, sie, es
plural 1st person we wir
2nd person you ihr, Sie*
3rd person they sie
*Sie is the formal (polite) version of du and ihr.

Names

To say the name of someone or something you can use to be called — heißen. You have already seen some forms of the verb heißen. Here is a more systematic table with all the forms in the present tense. Note that the subject pronouns are capitalized because they start the sentences.
Grammar: English language.svg Names — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg Namen
English German
My name is… Ich heiße …
His/Her/Its name is… Er/Sie/Es heißt …
Their names are… Sie heißen …
Our names are… Wir heißen …
Your name is… Du heißt …
Your names are… Ihr heißt …
What is your name? Wie heißt du?*
What are your names? Wie heißt ihr?*
*Remember, the formal way to ask someone’s name is to ask Wie heißen Sie? Note: There are possessive pronouns (e.g. “my”, “your”, “his”, her”, …) in German, they just don’t apply here. For instance, native speakers usually don’t say Mein Name ist … (My name is…).

Important Verbs

Verbs are the words that describe the action of a sentence, e.g. (to) run, (to) call, (to) be, etc.Conjugation refers to changing the form of a verb depending on the subject of a sentence. For example, the verb to be – sein has several different forms: (I) am…, (you) are…, (he) is…, etc. Most English verbs, however, have only two forms in the present tense, e.g.,(I/you/we/they) run and (he/she/it) runs. German verbs, on the other hand, have usually several forms in the present tense. You have already learned the forms of one German verb: to be called – heißen.
Verb: English language.svg to be called — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg heißen
English German
singular 1st person I am called ich heiße
2nd person you are called du heißt
3rd person he/she/it is called er/sie/es heißt
plural 1st person we are called wir heißen
2nd person you are called ihr heißt
3rd person they are called sie heißen*
*The form of verbs for you (polite) — Sie is exactly the same as for the plural, 3rd person pronoun they — sie. Two extremely common verbs are to be — sein and to have — haben. They are conjugated like this:
Verb: English language.svg to be — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg sein
English German
singular 1st person I am ich bin
2nd person you are du bist
3rd person he/she/it is er/sie/es ist
plural 1st person we are wir sind
2nd person you are ihr seid
3rd person they are sie sind*
*Don’t forget that the form for you (polite) — Sie is the same as for the plural, 3rd person pronoun they — sie.
Verb: English language.svg to have — Flag of Germany and Austria.svg haben
English German
singular 1st person I have ich habe
2nd person you have du hast
3rd person he/she/it has er/sie/es hat
plural 1st person we have wir haben
2nd person you have ihr habt
3rd person they have sie haben*
*This is also the form for you (polite) — Sie.
Download Pdf]]>

German A1, A2 Exam Preparation:Speaking Read More »

Learn German-German Articles

Classroom - German, Learn German /

  • Prepare for Goethe Exams at one of the best German Language Institutes in Coimbatore

    German Language Classes

    Introduction

    German has three words — der, die and das — for the definite article the. To make matters more confusing for someone learning German, these three definite articles change spelling according to the case of the noun that they appear with in a sentence. The same is true for the indefinite articles. Just as English has two indefinite articles — a and an — that you use with singular nouns, German also has two indefinite articles (in the nominative case): ein for masculine- and neuter-gender words and eine for feminine-gender words. Another similarity with English is that the German indefinite article ein/eine doesn’t have a plural form. Depending on how you’re describing something plural, you may or may not need to use the plural definite article. Consider the following generalized statement, which requires no article: In Zermatt sind Autos verboten. (Cars are forbidden in Zermatt [Switzerland].) The following table shows you the definite articles and the corresponding indefinite articles (nominative case):
    Gender/Number Definite (the) Indefinite (a/an)
    Masculine der ein
    Feminine die eine
    Neuter das ein
    Plural die (no plural form)
    In German language, there are three definite articles for nouns in singular: der for masculine nouns, die for feminine nouns and das neutral nouns. German native speakers know mostly intuitively what the article of each noun is. However, non-native speakers need to memorize the articles. There are several rules and guidelines determining the articles of some categories of nouns. But there are a lot of exceptions.
  • Rules for Article ‘Der’
    The following nouns have the article der:
    • Nouns for masculine persons and functions/professions: Vater, Pilot, Arzt;
    • Names of seasons: Frühling, Sommer, Herbst, Winter;
    • Names of months: Januar, Juli, Dezember;
    • Names of days of the week: Montag, Dienstag, Sonntag;
    • Names of compass directions: Nordwest(en), Süd(en);
    • Names of precipitations: Regen, Schnee, Hagel;
    • Names of car brands: Audi, BMW, Mercedes;
    • Names of trains: IC;
    • Nouns derived from verbs without suffix: Gang, Fang;
    The following categories of nouns have mainly the article der:
    • Names of alcoholic beverages: Cognac, Wein, Whiskey; exceptions: das Bier;
    • Names of rivers outside Europe: Amazonas, Mississippi;
    • Names of mountains: Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro; exception: die Zugspitze;
    Furthermore, nouns with the suffixes below have the article der:
    • –er (nouns derived from verbs): Fahrer, Lehrer;
    • –ismus: Kapitalismus, Journalismus;
    Most of nouns with the following suffixes have the article der:
    • –ant: Demonstrant, Elefant; exceptions: das Croissant, das Restaurant;
    • –ling: Lehrling, Schützling; exceptions: das Dribbling, das Bowling;
    • –ner: Rentner, Schaffner, Zöllner; exceptions: das Banner, die Wiener (Wurst);
    • –or: Motor, Traktor; exceptions: das Gegentor, das Chlor;

    Watch out: this is applicable only to nouns in singular. All nouns in plural have the article die.

    Watch out: diminutives have always the article das: der Kopf → das Köpfchen.

    Rules for Article ‘Die’

    The following nouns have the article die:
    • Nouns for feminine persons and functions/professions: Mutter, Friseuse, Ärztin;
    • Names of motorcycle brands: Harley Davidson, BMW (only motorcycle), Yamaha;
    • Names of planes and ships: Boeing 747, Titanic;
    • Cardinal numbers: Eins, Drei;
    The following categories of nouns have mainly the article die:
    • Names of plants and trees: Birke, Chrysantheme, Rose; exceptions: der Ahorn, das Veilchen;
    Furthermore, nouns with the suffixes below have the article die:
    • –falt: Vielfalt;
    • –heit: Freiheit, Sicherheit;
    • –keit: Möglichkeit, Schnelligkeit;
    • –schaft: Freundschaft, Mannschaft;
    • –t (nouns derived from verbs): Fahrt, Tat;
    • –ung: Leitung, Zeitung;
    Foreign nouns with the suffixes below have the article die:
    • –ade: Hitparade, Marmelade;
    • –age: Garage, Passage;
    • –anz: Eleganz, Dominanz;
    • –enz: Existenz, Tendenz;
    • –ik: Kritik, Musik;
    • –ion: Diskussion, Koalition;
    • –tät: Identität, Qualität;
    • –ur: Agentur, Reparatur;
    Most of nouns with the following suffixes have the article die:
    • –e: Grenze, Lampe; exceptions: der Junge, der Friede;
    • –ei: Abtei, Metzgerei; exceptions: das Ei, der Papagei;
    • –ie: Diplomatie, Psychologie; exceptions: der Junkie, der Hippie;
    • –in: Ärztin, Studentin; exceptions: das Benzin, der Harlekin;

    Beware: diminutives have always the article das: die Hand → das Händchen.

  • Rules for Article ‘Das’
    The following nouns have the article das:
    • Diminutives (–chen, –lein): Kaninchen, Fräulein;
    • Nouns derived from infinitives: Essen, Schreiben;
    • Nouns derived from adjectives: Gute, Böse;
    • Names of colors: Rot, Gelb, Blau;
    The following categories of nouns have the article das:
    • Almost all of the 112 known chemical elements: Aluminium, Kupfer, Uran; 6 exceptions: der Kohlenstoff, der Sauerstoff, der Stickstoff, der Wasserstoff, der Phosphor, der Schwefel;
    • Names of metals: Blei, Messing, Zinn; exceptions: die Bronze, der Stahl;
    • Fractions: Drittel (⅓), Viertel (¼); exception: die Hälfte (½);
    Furthermore, nouns with the suffixes below have the article das:
    • –ial: Material, Potenzial;
    Most of nouns with the following suffixes have the article das:
    • –ment: Instrument, Parlament; exceptions: der Konsument, der Zement;
    • –nis: Ergebnis, Tennis; exceptions: die Fahrerlaubnis, die Wildnis;
    • –o: Auto, Konto; exceptions: die Avocado, der Euro;
    • –tum: Quantum, Ultimatum; exceptions: der Reichtum, der Irrtum;
    • –um (nouns of Latin origin): Publikum, Museum, Stadium;

    Beware: this is applicable only to nouns in singular. All nouns in plural have the article die.

    • German Definite Articles by Gender (Nominative Case)
    German Definite Article (English meaning) Gender (Abbreviation Seen in Dictionaries) German Example (English meaning)
    der (the) masculine (m) der Löffel (the spoon)
    die (the) feminine (f) die Gabel (the fork)
    das (the) neuter (n or nt) das Messer (the knife)
    die (the) plural (pl) die Menschen (the people)
    Some categories of nouns are consistently masculine, feminine, or neuter. For instance, noun gender usually follows the gender of people: der Onkel (the uncle) and die Schwester (the sister). In many other cases, the noun categories have to do with the ending of the noun. The following two tables provide some fairly reliable categories of nouns and their genders.
    Common Genders by Noun Ending (Or Beginning)
    Usually Masculine (der) Usually Feminine (die) Usually Neuter (das)
    -er (especially when referring to male people/jobs) -ade, -age, -anz, -enz, -ette, -ine, -ion, -tur (if foreign/borrowed from another language) -chen
    -ich -e -ium
    -ismus -ei -lein
    -ist -heit -ment (if foreign/borrowed from another language)
    -ner -ie -o
    -ik -tum or -um
    -in (when referring to female people/occupations) Ge-
    -keit
    -schaft
    -tät
    -ung
    Common Genders by Noun Subject
    Usually Masculine (der) Usually Feminine (die) Usually Neuter (das)
    Days, months, and seasons: der Freitag(Friday) Many flowers: die Rose (the rose) Colors (adjectives) used as nouns: grün (green) das Grün (the green)
    Map locations: der Süd(en) (the south) Many trees: die Buche (the beech) Geographic place names: das Europa(Europe)
    Names of cars and trains: der Audi (the Audi) and der ICE(the Intercity Express) Names of aircraft and ships: die Boeing 767 (the Boeing 767), die Titanic (the Titanic) Infinitives used as nouns (gerunds): schwimmen(to swim) das Schwimmen(swimming)
    Nationalities and words showing citizenship: der Amerikaner (the American) Cardinal numbers:eine Drei (a three) Young people and animals: das Baby (the baby)
    Occupations: der Arzt(the doctor) Almost all the chemical elements and most metals: das Aluminium(aluminum) and das Blei(lead)
    Names of most mountains and lakes:der Großglockner(the highest mountain in Austria)
    Most rivers outside of Europe: der Amazonas (the Amazon)
     ]]>

    Learn German-German Articles Read More »

    German Modal Verbs

    Classroom - German /

    Modal verbs help you convey your attitude or explain how you feel about an action in German. They usually accompany another verb and appear in the second position of a sentence. The verb they assist generally appears at the end of the clause. The following table shows each German modal verb in infinitive form along with the English translation, followed by a statement using the modal verb. Look at the various ways of modifying the statement Ich lerne Deutsch (I learn German) with the modal verbs. Notice that the modal verb is in second position in the sentence, and the main verb gets booted to the end.

    German Modal Verb Translation Example English Equivalent
    dürfen may, to be allowed to Ich darf Deutsch lernen. l may/am allowed to learn German.
    können can, to be able to Ich kann Deutsch lernen. l can/am able to learn German.
    mögen to like to Ich mag Deutsch lernen. l like to learn German.
    möchten would like to Ich möchte Deutsch lernen. l would like to learn German.
    müssen must, to have to Ich muss Deutsch lernen. l must/have to learn German.
    sollen should, to besupposed to Ich soll Deutsch lernen. I’m supposed to/should learn German.
    wollen to want to Ich will Deutsch lernen. I want to learn German.
    These verbs all have regular verb endings in their plural forms (wir, ihr, sie,and Sie). Most of them also have irregular verb changes, some of which you can see in the examples in the table.
    1.DÜRFEN : to be allowed
    Ich: darf Wir: dürfen
    Du: darfst Ihr: dürft
    Er: darf Sie: dürfen
    2. HABEN : to have
    Ich: habe Wir: haben
    Du: hast Ihr: habt
    Er: hat Sie: haben
    3. KÖNNEN : to be able to
    Ich: kann Wir: können
    Du: kannst Ihr: könnt
    Er: kann Sie: können
    4. MÖGEN : to like
    Ich: mag Wir: mögen
    Du: magst Ihr: mögt
    Er: mag Sie: mögen
    5. MÜSSEN : to have to
    Ich: muss Wir: müssen
    Du: musst Ihr: müsst
    Er: muss Sie: müssen
    6. SOLLEN : suppose to
    Ich: soll Wir: sollen
    Du: sollst Ihr: sollt
    Er: soll Sie: sollen
    7. WERDEN : to become
    Ich: werde Wir: werden
    Du: wirst Ihr: werdet
    Er: wird Sie: werden
    8. WOLLEN : to want
    Ich: will Wir: wollen
    Du: willst Ihr: wollt
    Er: will Sie: wollen
       ]]>

    German Modal Verbs Read More »

    German Classroom-Separable Verbs

    Classroom - German /

      One of the things that is the most surprising (and exasperating) when you start learning German is the idea of a separable verb. We’re going to look at what they are and how to conjugate them in more detail. They are similar to phrasal verbs in English. A characteristic feature of German is its ability to create verbs with new meanings through the addition of prefixes to nouns, adjectives, or other verbs. For example:

    • aus + gehen = ausgehen – to go out
    • ver + kaufen = verkaufen – to sell
    German has two categories of prefixes: inseparable prefixes and separable prefixes. However, few prefixes exist that can be used in either catgory. Also, a verb could have more than one prefix, each giving a new verb with a different meaning than the others. Take the verb ‘kommen‘ for example:
    Verb Definition
    kommen to come
    ankommen to arrive
    mitkommen to come along
    weiterkommen to get on
    hereinkommen to come in
    herauskommen to come out
    nachkommen to come later
    zurückkommen to come back

    Inseparable Prefixes

    These prefixes are always attached to the front end of a verb and are never removed from it no matter the tense or form of the verb. When pronouncing a verb with an inseparable prefix, the stress is always on the stem of the verb. The table below shows these prefixes, along with some examples:
    Prefix Verb Definition
    be- bekommen to get/receive
    besuchen to visit/attend
    emp- empfehlen to recommend
    empfinden to feel
    ent- entlassen to discharge/fire
    entscheiden to decide/determine
    er- erfinden to invent/make-up
    erwarten to expect/anticipate
    ge- gehorchen to obey
    gestatten to permit/allow
    miss- missachtest to disobey/disregard
    misstrauen to mistrust/suspect
    ver- vergessen to forget
    verstehen to understand
    zer- zerstören to destroy
    zerkratzen to scratch
    The inseparable prefix remains attached to the verb when its conjugated. Notice the position of the inseparable prefix in the following examples:
    • Ich verstehe sehr gut Deutsch – I understant very good German
    • Ich besuche meine Eltern jeden Tag – I visit my parents everyday
    Learn German

    Separable Prefixes

    Separable prefixes are adverbs and prepositions that are detached from the verb when it is conjugated. It would be completely impractical to list all of those prefixes; as there are many. When pronouncing a verb with a separable prefix, the stress is always on the separable prefix. The table below shows the most common ones along with some examples:
    Prefix Verb Definition
    an- ankommen to arrive
    anrufen to phone somebody
    auf- aufstehen to wake up
    aufhören to stop/cease
    aus- ausgehen to go out
    aussprechen to pronounce
    bei- beibringen to teach
    beitragen to add/contribute
    ein- einkaufen to go shopping
    einladen to invite
    fort- fortfahren to continue/proceed
    fortgehen to go away
    mit- mitgehen to go along
    mitarbeiten to collaborate
    nach- nachahmen to imitate/copy
    nacharbeiten to rework/revise
    vor- vorstellen to present/introduce
    vorbereiten to prepare/set up
    weg- wegfahren to drive away
    weglaufen to run away
    zu- zuhören to listen
    zunehmen to increase/grow
    As already mentioned, when a verb with a separable prefix is conjugated in the present tense, the separable prefix is detached from it. The prefix is moved to the end of its clause. Notice the position of the inseparable prefix in the following examples:
    • Herr Bauer ruft seine Frau an – Mr Bauer is calling his wife
    • Ich gehe mit meinen Freunden jeden Tag aus – I go out with my friends everyday
    • Sie kauft im Supermarkt ein – She is shopping in the supermark

    Prefixes that can be Separable or Inseparable

    A few prefixes exist that can be either separable or inseparable, depending on the way the verb is pronounced. When the stress is on the prefix itself, the prefix is separable. But when the stress is on the stem of the verb, it’s a strong signal that the prefix is an inseparable one. A few examples are shown in the next table:
    Prefix Separable Verb Inseparable Verb
    durch- durchfallen durchdringen
    um- umsteigen umarmen
    wieder- wiedergeben wiederholen
    Of course, the verb conjugation depends on whether the prefix is separable or inseparable, as shown in the next example:
    • Wir steigen in Berlin um (umsteigen) – We change (busses) in Berlin
    • Wir umarmen uns (umarmen) – We embrace ourselves
    That brings us to the end of this lesson. Make sure to solve the exercises associated with this lesson before proceeding to the next ones.
    Handout: Separable and Inseparable Prefixes
    As you know, German verbs can have separable prefixes. These prefixes change the meaning of the original verb, and make a new word. In the present tense, separable prefixes are separated from the verb and placed at the end of the sentence bracket. The separation rule also applies in the imperative. When used in the infinitive, however (e.g. with a modal auxiliary), separable prefix verbs are not divided. As you will shortly learn, the participle forms in the past tense are also combined.
    Hans steht jeden Tag um 9.00 Uhr auf. Hans gets up every day at 9:00.
    Hans, steh jetzt auf! Hans, get up now!
    Hans muss jeden Tag um 9.00 Uhr aufstehen. Hans has to get up every day at 9:00.

    Common separable prefixes. Remember that this list is only a rough guide to the meanings of prefixes, since their use is highly idiomatic.  
    ab= off, down abholen to pick up
    abnehmen to take off
    an = an , at anfangen to start, to begin
    anrufen to call, to telephone
    anziehen to put on, to dress
    auf = up aufhören to stop
    aufräumen to clean up
    aufstehen to get up, to stand up
    aus = out ausgehen to go out
    aussehen to seem, to appear
    ein = in, into einkaufen to shop
    einschlafen to go to sleep
    fern = far fernsehen to watch TV
    fort = away fortgehen to leave , to go away
    her = ‘hither’, to here herholen to fetch
    herkommen to come from
    hin = ‘thither’, to there hinstellen to put, to place
    mit = with, along mitbringen to bring along
    mitkommen to come along
    mitnehmen to take along
    nach = after nachdenken to think, to reflect
    nachfragen to inquire, ask after
    um = around, at umsehen to look around
    vor = before vorhaben to have planned
    vorstellen to introduce
    vorbei = by, past vorbeikommen to come by
    weg = away weggehen to go away, leave
    wegnehmen to take away
    zu = to, closed zuhören to listen
    zumachen to close
    zurück = back zurückgeben to give back
    zurückkommen to come back
    zusammen = together zusammenkommen to come together
    Separable Verbs
    1.ABHOLEN : to fetch/pick up
    Ich: hole ab Wir: holen ab
    Du: holst ab Ihr: holt ab
    Er: holt ab Sie: holen ab
    2. ANFANGEN : to begin
    Ich: fange an Wir: fangen an
    Du: fängst an Ihr: fangt an
    Er: fängt an Sie: fangen an
    3. ANKOMMEN : to arrive
    Ich: komme an Wir: kommen an
    Du: kommst an Ihr: kommt an
    Er: kommt an Sie: kommen an
    4. ANRUFEN : to call up
    Ich: rufe an Wir: rufen an
    Du: rufst an Ihr: ruft an
    Er: ruft an Sie: rufen an
    5. AUFHÖREN : to stop/be over
    Ich: höre auf Wir: hören auf
    Du: hörst auf Ihr: hört auf
    Er: hört auf Sie: hören auf
    6. AUFPASSEN : to watch out or pay attention
    Ich: passe auf Wir: passen auf
    Du: passt auf Ihr: passt auf
    Er: passt auf Sie: passen auf
    7. AUFRÄUMEN : to clean up/tidy up
    Ich: räume auf Wir: räumen auf
    Du: räumst auf Ihr: räumt auf
    Er: räumt auf Sie: räumen auf
    8. AUFSTEHEN : to stand up
    Ich: stehe auf Wir: stehen auf
    Du: stehst auf Ihr: steht auf
    Er: steht auf Sie: stehen auf
    9. AUSFÜLLEN : to fill out
    Ich: fülle aus Wir: füllen aus
    Du: füllst aus Ihr: füllt aus
    Er: füllt aus Sie: füllen aus
    10. AUSGEHEN : to go out
    Ich: gehe aus Wir: gehen aus
    Du: gehst aus Ihr: geht aus
    Er: geht aus Sie: gehen aus
    11. AUSSEHEN : to look or to appear
    Ich: sehe aus Wir: sehen aus
    Du: siehst aus Ihr: seht aus
    Er: sieht aus Sie: sehen aus
    12. EINKAUFEN : to go shopping
    Ich: kaufe ein Wir: kaufen ein
    Du: kaufst ein Ihr: kauft ein
    Er: kauft ein Sie: kaufen ein
    13. EINLADEN : to invite
    Ich: lade ein Wir: laden ein
    Du: lädst ein Ihr: ladet ein
    Er: lädt ein Sie: laden ein
    14. EINPACKEN : to pack up
    Ich: packe ein Wir: packen ein
    Du: packst ein Ihr: packt ein
    Er: packt ein Sie: packen ein
    15. RADFAHREN : to ride a bicycle
    Ich: fahre rad Wir: fahren rad
    Du: fährst rad Ihr: fahrt rad
    Er: fährt rad Sie: fahren rad
    16. VORBEIGEHEN : to go past
    Ich: gehe vorbei Wir: gehen vorbei
    Du: gehst vorbei Ihr: geht vorbei
    Er: geht vorbei Sie: gehen vorbei
    17. VORHABEN : to have plans
    Ich: habe vor Wir: haben vor
    Du: hast vor Ihr: habt vor
    Er: hat vor Sie: haben vor

    Introduction to Separable Verbs

    For these verbs, the particle is separated and placed at the end of the clause for simple verb tenses (as long as the clause is not subordinate or relative). Let´s look at the separable verb “absagen” (cancel) as an example. The verb is formed by the particle ab and the verb sagen. “Sagen” alone means to say, but together with the particle “ab” it means “cancel”.

    Er sagt ein Konzert ab He cancelled the concert

    As you can observe in this example, the particle “ab” is placed at the end of the clause. This property of separating only takes place in verb tenses that do not have an auxiliary verb (helping verb). In German, they are:
    • Präsens
    • Präteritum
    • Imperativ

    Präsens (present)

    Person Conjugation Translation
    ich sag-e […] ab I cancel
    du sag-st […] ab you cancel
    er/sie/es sag-t […] ab he/she/it cancels
    wir sag-en […] ab we cancel
    ihr sag-t […] ab you cancel (speaking to a group)
    sie sag-en […] ab they cancel

    Präteritum (past simple)

    Person Conjugation Translation
    ich sag-t-e […] ab I cancelled
    du sag-te-st[…] ab you cancelled
    er/sie/es sag-t-e […] ab he/she/it cancelled
    wir sag-t-en […] ab we cancelled
    ihr sag-te-t […] ab you cancelled
    sie sag-t-en […] ab they cancelled

    Imperativ (Imperative)

    Person Conjugation Translation
    2nd person singular sag […] ab cancel
    1st person plural sag-en wir […] ab Let’s cancel
    2nd person plural sag-t […] ab cancel
    polite form (Sie) sag-en Sie […] ab cancel

    The construction of the “Partizip II”

    To make the Partizip II for the separable verb, you do the same as you would for the “Partizip II” for verbs that are not separted and add the particle as a prefix.
    Infinitive Partizip II Translation
    absagen abgesagt cancelled
    aufmachen aufgemacht opened
    umsteigen umgestiegen changed
    zumachen zugemacht closed

    Separable Verbs in Subordinate Clauses

    For subordinate clauses, separable verbs behave like normal verbs, meaning that they aren´t separate:

    Sie hat erzählt, dass er ein Konzert absagt She said that he’s cancelling a concert

    Separable Verbs in Relative Clauses

    In relative clauses the separable verbs do not split:

    Ich schickte dir eine SMS, die nie ankam I sent you a text that never arrived

    Separable verbs in Clauses “(um)” + “zu”

    Compound clauses with “(um) + zu”, the separable verbs are split by placing the preposition zu between the particle and the verb:

    Es ist schwer, das Spiel wegzulegen It’s difficult to put down this game

    Separable particles

    Sometimes, particles change the meaning of the verb they accompany just slightly, other times drastically. Separable particles are: absagen [cancel]“ab-”
    • abschrauben [unscrew]
    • absegeln [sail away]
    • abbiegen [turn]

    “an-“

    • anleiten [guide]
    • anmelden [register]
    • anrufen [call]
    • anfangen [start]
    • anhalten [stop]
    • ankommen [arrive]
    • anbieten [offer]
    • anpassen [adapt]
    • anschließen [connect]

    “auf-“

    • aufheizen [heat up]
    • aufhaben [wear]
    • aufstehen [to stand up]

    “aus-“

    • aussteigen [to get off/to exit (the bus)]
    • aussehen [to look/to apear] (Ex: “She looks beautiful” NOT “She looks at a map)”

    “auseinander-“

    • auseinandersetzen to deal with/to argue with]

    “bei-“

    • beitragen [contribute]

    “dar-“

    • darstellen [to represent]

    “durch-“

    • durchlesen [to read through]
    • durchgehen [to pass through]
    The particle “durch-” is sometimes not separable. For example: durchqueren[to traverse]

    “ein-“

    • einsteigen [to step into/to enter (on the bus)]
    • einkaufen [to go shopping]
    • einschalten [to turn on]
    • einladen [to invite] It is not always separable

    “entgegen-“

    • entgegenstellen [to oppose]

    “entlang-“

    • entlangfahren [to drive along]

    “fehl-“

    • fehlschlagen [to backfire]

    “fest-“

    • festlegen [to determine]

    “her-“

    • herstellen [to manufacture]

    “herein-“

    • hereintreten [to step in]

    “los-“

    • losgehen [to get going]

    “mit-“

    • mitmachen [to participate]

    “nach-“

    • nacharbeiten [to rework]

    “über-“

    • überstreifen [to shuffle on/slip over]
    The particle “über” is normally not separable. For example: überdenken [reconsider]

    “um-“

    • umsteigen [change (trains)]

    “unter-“

    • unterlegen [to place underneath]
    The particle “unter-” is sometimes not separable.

    “vor-“

    • vorlesen [to read aloud]
    • vorsehen [to provide]

    “vorbei-“

    • vorbeimarschieren [to march by]

    “weg-“

    • wegnehmen [to take away]

    “weiter-“

    • weiterentwickeln [to perfect/improve]

    “wieder-“

    • wiedergeben [to return (something)] It is not always separable: wiederholen [to repeat] (not separable)

    “zu-“

    • zumachen [to close]

    “zurück-“

    • zurückkommen [to come back]

    The special case of particle placement

    As we said, the separable particle of the verb is placed at the end of the sentence:

    Geht er ins Kino mit? Is he also going to the movie theater?

    But if a complement is taken for granted (it doesn’t provide new information) in street German (although this is not correct) is placed at the end, leaving the particle inside the sentence so that we hear:

    Geht er mit ins Kino? Is he also going to the movie theater?

    ]]>

    German Classroom-Separable Verbs Read More »

    The Dative Case

    Classroom - German /

    Learn German

    The dative case

    The dative case has four functions.

    1) Indirect object

    The indirect object of a sentence is the being (usually a person, but sometimes a pet or an inanimate object) for whose benefit the subject is acting upon the direct object.. It answers the question: To or for whom does the subject <insert meaning of verb here><insert direct object here>?
    EXAMPLES:
    Wir backen euch einen Kuchen. We’re baking you a cake. We’re baking a cake for you. “You” (pl). answers for whom the subject “we” is baking a cake.
    Erik erzählt seinen Brüdern Witze. Erik is telling his brothers jokes. Erik is telling jokes to his brothers. “His brothers” answers to whom the subject “Erik” is telling jokes.
    Den Touristen zeigt er die Kirche. He shows the tourists the church. He shows the church to the tourists. “The tourists” answers to whom the subject “he” is showing the church.
    Note that the dative case, when it denotes an indirect object in the sentence, can be and often is rendered into English using the preposition to or for. Because the dative case in German includes the meanings of these prepositions, those prepositions are not needed in German to designate the indirect object. Note also that a sentence cannot have an indirect object unless it first has a direct object. The indirect object is by definition to or for whom the subject does something to a direct object.

    2) Object of a dative verb or dative construction

    A number of verbs, adjectives, and idiomatic expressions require a dative object in German. The following verbs require a dative object and will never have an accusative object.
    antworten to answer imponieren to impress
    begegnen to encounter Leid tun to be sorry
    danken to thank nutzen to be useful to
    dienen to serve passen to suit
    drohen to threaten passieren to happen to
    ein•fallen to occur to reichen to be enough
    fehlen to be missing schaden to damage
    folgen to follow schmecken to taste
    gefallen to be pleasing to schwer•fallen to be difficult for
    gehören to belong to vertrauen to trust
    gelingen to succeed verzeihen to forgive
    glauben to believe weh•tun to hurt
    gratulieren to congratulate widersprechen to contradict
    helfen to help zu•hören to listen to
    EXAMPLES:
    Hilfst du mir mit der Hausaufgabe? Will you help me with the homework? “Me” is the object of the dative verb helfen.
    Der Hund folgte dem Kind nach Hause. The dog followed the child home. “The child” is the object of the dative verb folgen.
    Das Geld reicht uns nicht. The money is not enough for us. “Us” is the object of the dative verb reichen.
    Like dative indirect objects, the objects of dative verbs normally refer to persons. In the few instances where the verb objects are impersonal, they take the accusative case.
    Ich glaube dir (dat.). I believe you. Ich glaube die Geschichte (acc.). I believe the story.
    Er verzeiht mir nie (dat.). He’ll never forgive me. Er verzeiht den Fehler nie (acc.). He’ll never forgive the mistake.
    In addition to the dative verbs, a number of adjectives and other idiomatic phrases are commonly used with dative objects. Here are some of them:
    ähnlich similar gleich same
    angenehm pleasant leicht easy
    begreiflich understandable nützlich useful
    behilflich helpful peinlich embarrassing
    bekannt known schädlich damaging
    bequem comfortable teuer expensive
    dankbar thankful verwandt related
    fremd foreign willkommen welcome
    Notice in the examples below that the dative objects that accompany these adjectives are often rendered in English with an accompanying “to” or “for”. There is no need to add an additional preposition to the German sentence, since these meanings are included when the noun or pronoun is declined in the dative case.
    EXAMPLES:
    Sie ist ihrem Vater sehr ähnlich. She is very similar to her father. “(To) her father” is the dative object of the adjective “similar”.
    Dieses Bett ist mir zu teuer. This bed is too expensive for me. “(For) me” is the dative object of the adjective “expensive”.
    Der Name war ihm sehr bekannt. The name was well-known to him. “(To) him” is the dative object of the adjective “known”
    3) Object of a dative preposition The object of an dative preposition must be in the dative case. These are the prepositions in German whose noun objects are always in the dative case:
    aus out of, from nach to, after, according to
    außer except for seit since, for (+ time period)
    bei at, with von from, by
    gegenüber opposite, in relation to zu to
    mit with; by means of
    EXAMPLES:
    Wir fahren mit der Bahn. We’re traveling by train. “The train” is the object of the dative preposition mit.
    Außer dir waren alle dabei. Besides you, everyone was there. “You” is the object of the dative preposition außer.
    Sie wohnt bei ihren Großeltern. She’s living with her grandparents. “Her grandparents” is the object of the dative preposition bei.
     

    4) Object of a two-way preposition

    Two-way prepositions are named as such because their objects are sometimes in the dative case and sometimes in the accusative case. Here are the two-way prepositions:
    an at, on (a vertical surface) über above, over
    auf at, on (a horizontal surface) unter under
    hinter behind vor in front of; before
    in in zwischen between
    neben beside
    When two-way prepositions are used with the dative case, they (1) designate a location, or (2) are in idiomatic expressions requiring the use of the dative.
    EXAMPLES of 2-WAY PREPOSITIONS + DATIVE to indicate LOCATIONS:
    Sie sitzt gerade in der Bank. She’s sitting in the bank. “In the bank” is a location describing where “she” is, hence intakes the dat.
    Ich sitze neben ihm. I am sitting next to him. “Next to him” is the location where the subject “I” is sitting, hence neben uses dat.
    Grete hat Angst vor ihrem Vater. Grete is afraid of her father. “Her father” is the dat.object of vor because the idiom Angst haben vor requires the use of the acc.case.
    In addition to the meanings listed , the two-way prepositions + dative have a range of idiomatic meanings, as the last example above shows: Angst haben vor (+ dat.) = to be afraid of.

    Nouns and pronouns in the DATIVE CASE

    Finally, here are some examples of nouns and pronouns in the dative case. Words and endings in red indicate a change in form from the accusative.
    Nouns Personal Pronouns
    masculine feminine neuter plural
    dem Onkel diesem Onkel einem Onkel keinem Onkel unserem Onkel der Tante dieser Tante einer Tante keiner Tante unserer Tante dem Buch diesem Buch einem Buch keinem Buch unserem Buch den Kindern diesen Kindern Kindern keinen Kindern unseren Kindern mir dir ihm, ihr,ihm uns euch Ihnen,ihnen
    The German dative case is generally used for the indirect object. The indirect object is often the receiver of the direct object. Take this sentence for example:
    • Der Bäcker gibt den Armen kein Brot – The Baker gives no bread to the poor
    In that sentence there are two objects, a direct one, ‘bread‘, and the indirect one ‘the poor‘. To identify which of both is the indirect object, you could simply ask yourself ‘To whom or for whom is the action being done?’. In most cases the indirect object is a person, but sometimes it could be an inanimate object as well.

    Endings in the Dative case

    Unlike the accusativ case discussed in the last lesson, the dative case not only affects the ending of the words linked to the noun, but it affects the noun itself as well.
    Article Masculine Feminine Neuter Plural
    Definite dem Mann der Frau dem Kind den Tieren
    Indefinite einem Mann einer Frau einem Kind – Tieren
    Negative keinem Mann keiner Frau keinem Kind keinen Tieren
    Possessive meinem Mann meiner Frau meinem Kind meinen Tieren
    Note that in the German dative case, an ‘-en‘ or a ‘-n‘ is added to the plural of the noun unless if that plural already ends with a ‘-s‘ or a ‘-n‘.

    Personal Pronouns

    All of the personal pronouns change from the nominative case to the dative case as shown in the next table:
    Singular Pronoun Definition Plural Pronoun Definition
    mir me uns us
    dir you – informal euch you – informal
    ihm/ihr/ihm him/her/it ihnen they
    Ihnen you – formal Ihnen you – formal

    Dative case after certain verbs

    The Dative case comes after certain verbs no matter what role the noun/pronoun plays, and even if there is no direct object in the sentence.
    Verb Definition Verb Definition
    antworten to answer gratulieren to congratulate
    danken to thank helfen to help
    drohen to threaten nutzen to be useful
    fehlen to be missing passen to suit
    folgen to follow schmecken to taste
    gehören to belong to verzeihen to forgive
    glauben to believe zuhören to listen to

    Dative case after certain prepositions

    Certain prepositions always take the dative case no matter their position in the sentence, and even if there will be more than one dative noun within the sentence.
    Preposition Definition
    aus from, out of
    außer apart from
    bei at, near
    gegenüber opposite
    mit with
    nach after, to
    seit since, for
    von from
    zu to

    Interrogatives in the Dative Case

    In the dative, the interrogative pronoun ‘wer‘ becomes ‘wem‘, and the interrogative ‘welcher‘ is declined according to the noun it’s attached to.
    Case Masculine Feminine Neuter Plural
    Dative welchem welcher welchem welchen

    Impersonal Expressions

    Numerous German expressions often use ‘es‘ as their subject. They are called ‘impersonal expressions‘ becuase they don’t identify a specific person or object as their subject. Often these expressions require a dative object. For example:
    • Es fällt mir ein – It occurs to me
    • Es kommt dir vor – It appears to you
    • Es scheint ihm – It seems to him
    • Es gefällt dem Mann – It appeals to the man

    Examples

    Here are a few example sentences in which the dative nouns/pronouns are pointed out:
    • Ich gebe meiner Schwester einen Hut – I’m giving a hat to my sister
    • Wir folgen den Kindern – We are following the kids
    • Sie kommt aus dem Museum – She is coming from the museum
    • Wir fahren mit dem Zug – We’re riding the tra
    Your team sits in three countries. And yet in the same office.
    In English: In standard English, the indirect object is marked either by a prepositional phrase, word order or by certain forms of personal pronoun(me, us, him, her, and them). Thus: “He gave his girlfriend a diamond ring;” “He gave a diamond ring to his girlfriend;” “He gave her it;” or “He gave it to her.” In German: The dative case has several functions in German. It is marked in a variety of ways, with word order being the least important. The dative personal pronouns are:
     mir = me  uns = us
     dir = you  euch = y’all
     Ihnen = you
     ihm = him ihr = her ihm = it  ihnen =they
    There are dative forms for other pronouns: man becomes einem, keiner becomes keinem, and wer becomes wem. In colloquial speech, jemand is more common, but jemandem is possible. The reflexive pronoun “sich” can indicate either the accusative or dative form of er, sie (= she), es, Sie, or sie (= they). As with the nominative and accusative cases, articles and adjective endings mark the dative, but here there is no distinction between a “der-word” and an “ein-word”. However, endings are still different when there is no article at all. Note that plural nouns themseves receive an “-n” unless they already end in “-n” or “-s”:1
    Masculine Feminine Neuter Plural
    dem roten Stuhl der neuen Lampe dem alten Buch den roten Stühlen
    rotem Stuhl neuer Lampe altem Buch alten Büchern
    As in the accusative case, the so-called weak masculine nouns take an “-n” (or “-en”) in the dative (as well as in the genitive). Among these nouns are those that end in “-e” (except Käse [cheese])
     nom. acc. dat.  der Mensch den Menschen dem Menschen [human]  der Nachbar den Nachbarn dem Nachbarn [neighbor]  der Herr den Herrn dem Herrn [lord; gentleman]  der Held den Helden dem Helden [hero]
     nom. acc. dat.  der Name den Namen dem Namen [name]  der Kunde den Kunden dem Kunden [customer]  der Junge den Jungen dem Jungen [boy]  der Experte den Experten dem Experten [expert]
     nom. acc. dat.  der Glaube den Glauben dem Glauben [belief]  der Wille den Willen dem Willen [will]  der Gedanke den Gedanken dem Gedanken [thought]  der Türke den Türken dem Türken [Turk]
     nom. acc. dat.  der Jude den Juden dem Juden [Jew]  der Russe den Russen dem Russen [Russian]  der Kollege den Kollegen dem Kollegen [colleague]  der Riese den Riesen dem Riesen [giant]
    Other endings of weak nouns are “-ant,” “-arch,” “-ege,” “-ent,” “-ist,” “-oge,” “-om,” “-oph,” and “-ot.” Some examples:
     der Buddist [Buddhist]  der Katholik [Catholic]  der Protestant [Protestant]  der Pilot [pilot]
     der Student [student]  der Komödiant [comedian]  der Astronom [astronomer]  der Patriarch [patriarch]
     der Philosoph [philosopher]  der Fotograf [photographer]  der Enthusiast [enthusiast]  der Anthropologe [anthropologist]
    Again: note that all of these nouns are masculine. Furthermore, their plural forms are the same as their dative singular forms: e.g.,dem Studenten; [plural:] Studenten. (“Herr” is an exception: den Herrn; [plural:] Herren). Typically, dictionaries identify weak nouns by giving not only the plural but also the weak ending: “der Bauer (-n, -n) farmer, peasant“. This first ending cited is actually that of the genitive case, but with weak nouns the dative and the genitive are usually identical. There are a few exceptions. One neuter noun is also weak in the dative (and takes an “-ens” in the genitive):
     nom. acc. dat. gen.  das Herz das Herz dem Herzen des Herzens [heart]
    They need time to grow. We give it to them. The future has long been with us. [ = an ad promoting the use of coal while wind energy gets further developed]
    Uses of the dative case:
    1) To designate the indirect object of a verb.
    Er erzählt seinen Kindern eine Geschichte. He tells his children a story.
    Sie schreibt mir eine E-mail. She writes me an e-mail.
    Er erklärte seiner Frau, warum er ihr ganzes Geld auf dieses Pferd setzte. He explained to his wife why he put all her money on this horse.
    Er schreibt ihr einen langen Brief. He writes her a long letter.
    Was schenken Sie ihrem Vater zum Geburtstag? What are you giving your father for his birthday?
    Kannst du das der Polizei beweisen? Can you prove that to the police?
    2) When there are two objects (direct and indirect): a dative noun precedes an accusation noun; an accusative pronoun precedes a dative pronoun; and a pronoun always a noun:
    Ich gebe dem Mann ein Buch.
    Ich gebe es dem Mann.
    Ich gebe ihm das Buch.
    Ich gebe es ihm.
    It is possible to change this word order for emphasis, e.g. “Ich habe das Buch dem Mann gegeben (und nicht der Frau).”
    His diet tips are radical. His training seems to contradict the laws of nature. Tim Ferriss brings his body into top form with unusual methods.
    3) Some verbs take the dative case even though logic might suggest the accusative:
     
    Sie glaubt mir nicht.2 She doesn’t believe me.
    Ich danke dir. I thank you.
    Kannst du mir verzeihen? Can you forgive me?
    Helfen Sie mir! Help me!
    Er hat ihr nicht geantwortet. He didn’t answer her.
    Sie folgte ihrem Mann durch die Tür. She followed her husband through the door.
    Das Kind gehorcht seinen Eltern gar nicht. The child doesn’t obey its parents at all.
    Der Wagen gehört meiner Schwester. The car belongs to my sister.
    Was ist dir geschehen? What happened to you?
    Ich bin ihr oft in der Stadt begegnet. I often ran into her in town.
    Sie ähnelt ihrer Mutter. She resembles her mother.
    Du gleichst dem Geist, den du begreifst. You resemble the spirit that you comprehend.
    Eine Entschuldigung genügt uns nicht. An apology isn’t enough for us.
    Ich gratuliere dir zu deinem Nobelpreis. I congratulate you on your Nobel Prize.
    Seine Rede hat mir sehr imponiert. His speech impressed me very much.
    Deine Ausreden nützen uns wenig. Your excuses aren’t much use to us.
    Sein Name fällt mir nicht ein. His name doesn’t occur to me.
    Ich rate dir, mit dem Bus zu fahren. I advise you to go by bus.
    Das schadet ihm nicht. That does him no harm.
    Immer schmeichelt er seinem Chef. He flatters his boss all the time.
    Du kannst mir trauen. You can trust me.
    Widersprechen Sie mir nicht. Don’t contradict me.
    Das widerspricht den Naturgesetzen. That contradicts the laws of nature.
    4) A number of verbs with the inseparable prefix “ent-“ or the separable “nach-“ take dative objects:
    Du kannst deinem Schicksal nicht entgehen. You can’t escape/avoid your fate.
    Er konnte der Polizei nicht entkommen. He couldn’t escape the police.
    Der Hund ist mir entlaufen. The dog ran away from me.
    Sie will diesen Problemen nachgehen. She wants to investigate these problems.
    Fahr los. Wir kommen dir später nach. Start driving. We’ll follow you later.
    Der Hund läuft der Katze nach. The dog chases after the cat.
    5) Still other verbs with the separable prefixes “bei-“ and “zu-“ take dative objects:
    Sie steht ihrem Mann bei. She helps/stands by her husband.
    Wir wollen der Sitzung beiwohnen. We want to attend the meeting.
    Hören Sie mir bitte gut zu. Please listen to me closely.
    Die Unbekannte lächelt ihm zu. The unknown woman smiles at him.
    Während sie spielt, schauen ihr die Männer zu. The men watch her while she plays.
    Sie ist dagegen, und ich stimme ihr zu. She’s against it, and I agree with her.
    Er wollte einer linken Partei beitreten. He wanted to join a leftist party.
    6) With some verbs, the dative object would become the subject in an English translation:
    Die richtigen Leute fehlen uns. We lack/are missing the right people
    Dein neuer Freund gefällt mir. I like your new friend.
    Beim dritten Versuch gelingt es uns. We succeed on the third try.
    Deine Frau tut mir Leid. I feel sorry for your wife.
    7) The so-called “dative of interest” establishes a point of view. Here too, the dative object can often be rendered as the subject in English:
    Es ist mir kalt. I’m cold.
    Jetzt reicht’s mir aber! I’ve had enough of that!
    Seine Haltung passt ihr nicht. She doesn’t like his attitude.
    Ist Ihnen nicht wohl? Don’t you feel well?
    Wie geht’s dir? How are you?
    Das kommt mir irgendwie bekannt vor. That somehow seems familiar to me.
    Ist der Stuhl dir unbequem? Is the chair uncomfortable for you?
    Das war meinem Mann zu dumm. My husband found that too stupid.
    8) The “dative of interest” often appears with predicate adjectives or predicate nominatives:
    Das ist meiner Mutter besonders interessant. That’s especially interesting to my mother.
    Meine Kinder sind mir eine einzige Freude. My children are nothing but a joy to me.
    Das ist ihm sehr peinlich. That’s very embarrassing to him.
    Sie ist ihrem Mann in allem weit überlegen. She vastly superior to her husband in all things.
    Diese Mode ist Europäern völlig unbekannt. This fashion is wholly unknown to Europeans.
    Wir sind Ihnen sehr dankbar. We’re very grateful to you.
    Das ist dir bestimmt leicht. That’s surely easy for you.
    Ihr Anruf ist uns sehr wichtig. Your call is very important to us.
    Das ist mir unmöglich. That’s impossible for me.
    Die Jacke ist ihr zu teuer. The jacket is too expensive for her.
    Das scheint mir richtig zu sein. That seems correct to me.
    9) The dative can also indicate toward whom an action is directed, especially when parts of the body are involved.
    Sie haut ihm eins in die Fresse. She pops him one in the chops.
    Sie klopft ihm auf die Schulter. She taps him on the shoulder.
    Tut Ihnen der Kopf weh? Do you have a headache?
    Ich muss meiner Tochter die Schuhe anziehen. I have to put my daughter’s shoes on (her).
    Er hat ihr die Nase gebrochen. He broke her nose.
    Ich will ihm den Kopf waschen “I’ll wash his head” (= I’m going to give him a piece of my mind).
    Sie putzt ihm die Zähne. She brushes his teeth.
    10) Of course the reflexive is used when the the action is directed back toward the subject:
    Du sollst dir die Zähne putzen. You ought to brush your teeth.
    Ich habe mir den Finger gebrochen. I broke my finger.
    Er kämmt sich die Haare. He combs his hair.
    Sie färbt sich die Haare. She dyes her hair.
    Er rasiert sich die Beine. He shaves his legs.
    Ich wasche mir die Hände in Unschuld. I will wash my hands in innocency (Psalms 26: 6)
    With prepositions:
    Conveyance only with a valid ticket. After 8 p.m. please enter at the front by the driver and show your ticket.
    The object of the following prepositions is always in the dative: aus, außer, bei, gegenüber, mit,nach, seit, von,and zu. Note that “bei dem,” “von dem,” “zu dem,” and “zu der” are normally contracted:  
    Die Katze sprang aus dem Fenster. The cat jumped out of the window.
    Er war aus dem Häuschen. He was over the moon.
    Außer deinem Bruder taugt deine Familie nicht viel. Except for your brother, your family isn’t worth much.
    Sollen wir bei mir Essen? Should we eat at my place?
    Die Mönche reden nicht beim Essen. The monks don’t talk while eating.
    Bei diesem Wetter bleiben wir lieber zu Hause. In this weather it would be better to stay home.
    Wer sitzt mir gegenüber? Who’s sitting across from me?
    Er tanzt mit seiner Frau. He’s dancing with his wife.
    Fährst du mit der Bahn oder mit dem Wagen? Are you going by train or by car?
    Nach dem Film gehen wir zu dir. After the movie we’ll go to your place.
    Seiner Mutter nach ist er ein Genie. According to his mother he’s a genius.
    Sie arbeitet seit zwei Jahren in Berlin. She’s been working in Berlin for two years.
    Viele Studenten bekommen Geld vom Staat. A lot of students get money from the state.
    Sie ist die Frau von meinem Onkel. She’s my uncle’s wife.
    Hast du was zum Schreiben? Do you have something to write with?
    Rotkäppchen geht zur Großmutter Little Red Ridinghood is going to her grandmother’s.
    Please exit your car, ring (the bell) to the left of the door and announce yourself to the porter over the intercom.
    Under certain circumstances the dative is used with the following “two-way” prepositions: an, auf, hinter, in, neben, entlang, über, unter, vor, and zwischen. When these prepositions delineate a spacial area, and the verb’s action or lack of action remains entirely within the area, they take the dative. If the verb indicates movement that crosses the border into that area, the preposition takes the accusative case):
     
    Die Gäste sitzen am Tisch. The guests are sitting at the table.
    Der Hund liegt auf dem Teppich. The dog’s lying on the rug.
    Sie arbeitet hinter dem Haus. She’s working behind the house.
    Man kann nicht zwischen zwei Stühlen sitzen. You can’t sit between two chairs.
    “an dem” and “in dem” are usually contracted:
    Er steht am Fenster. He stands at the window.
    Es gibt einen Fremden im Haus. There’s a stranger in the house.
    Cell Phone Repair Service for small repairs. Bring it in to the booth in the morning and pick it up on the same day in the afternoon. Or visit us in the Nokia Shop Berlin at Hauptstrasse 80a in Friedenau and have your phone repaired immediately.
    When these two-way prepositions define time, rather than space, they usually take the dative. The exceptions are “auf”and “über”:
    Am Montag machen wir die Wäsche. We do the laundry on Monday.
    In der Nacht sind alle Katzen grau. At night all cats are grey [Any port in a storm].
    Er soll unter einer Stunde reden. He’s supposed to talk for under an hour.
    Aber er hat über eine Stunde geredet. But he talked for over an hour.
    Vor jedem Essen trinken wir ein Glas Portwein. We drink a glass of port before each meal.
    Vor einem Jahr hat sie kein Deutsch gekonnt. A year ago she couldn’t speak any German.
    Auf eine Woche Ausbildung folgte eine Pause. After a week of training there followed a pause.

    These two-way prepositions take the dative case in certain idioms, as well. A few examples:

    Sie arbeitet jetzt an einem Buch. She’s working on a book.
    Das Kind hängt an mir. The child is attached to me.
    Das Wasser ist am Kochen. The water’s boiling.
    Ich zweifele an seinem guten Willen. I have doubts about his good will.
    Sie hat lange an Krebs gelitten und ist dann an dieser Krankheit gestorben. She suffered from cancer for a long time and then died of this disease.
    In Deutschland gibt es einen Mangel an Kindern. In Germany there’s a shortage of children.
    Du bist schuld an meiner Erkältung. It’s your fault I have a cold.
    Nimmst du am Programm teil? Are you taking part in the program?
    Kuwait ist reich an �l. Kuwait has abundant oil.
    Wir messen ihn an seinen Taten. We measure him by his deeds.
    As a man, you’re measured by your deeds. You’re loved for your weaknesses.
    Sie besteht auf ihrem Recht. She insists on her rights.
    Unter diesen Bedingungen bin ich bereit, es zu tun. Under these conditions I’m ready to do it.
    Sie führen ein Gespräch unter vier Augen. They’re having a tête-à-tête.
    Weil wir jetzt unter uns sind, können wir darüber reden. Now that we’re among ourselves we can talk about it.
    Endlich habe ich diese Prüfung hinter mir. I’ve finally got this test out of the way.
    Ich warne Sie vor dem Hund. I warn you about the dog.
    Er war außer sich vor Wut. He was beside himself with fury.
    Hast du wirklich Angst vor mir? Are you really afraid of me?
    Kondome schützen vor AIDS. Condoms protect (you) from AIDS.
    Diese Information soll zwischen meiner Mutter und mir bleiben. That information should stay between me and my mother.
    1 The so-called “der-words” are the articles der, die, das; dies-, jed-, jen-, manch-, solch-, and welch-. The “ein-words” are ein, kein, and the possessive pronouns: mein, dein, sein, ihr, unser, euer, Ihr, and ihr.  ]]>

    The Dative Case Read More »

    German Classes-Accusative Case

    Classroom - German /

    German Classes in Coimbatore

    The accusative case

    The accusative case has four functions.

    1) Direct object

    The direct object of a sentence is the person, thing, entity, or idea that is acted upon by the subject. It answers the question: What orwhom does the subject <insert meaning of verb here>?
    EXAMPLES:
    Wir sehen einen Film. We’re watching a film. “A film” is the direct object. It is what the subject “we” is watching.
    Martha trinkt viel Kaffee. Martha drinks a lot of coffee. “Coffee” is the direct object. It is what the subject “Martha” drinks.
    Mein Chef hat eine Schwester. My boss has a sister. A sister” is the direct object. It is what the subject “my boss” has.

    2) Object of an accusative preposition

    The object of an accusative preposition must be in the accusative case. These are the prepositions in German whose noun objects are always in the accusative case:
    bis until pro per
    durch through ohne without
    für for um around; at (with time)
    gegen against wider against
    EXAMPLES:
    Er fuhr gegen einen Baum. He drove into a tree. “A tree” is the object of the accusative preposition gegen.
    Ohne dich kann ich nicht leben. I can’t live without you. “You” is the object of the accusative preposition ohne.
    Sie arbeitet schwer für das Geld. She works hard for the money. “The money” is the object of the accusative preposition für.

    3) Object of a two-way preposition

    Two-way prepositions are named as such because their objects are sometimes in the dative case and sometimes in the accusative case. Here are the two-way prepositions:
    an to, toward, onto (a vertical surface) über across; about
    auf to, toward, onto (a horizontal surface) unter (to a place) under
    hinter (to a place) behind vor (to a place) in front of
    in in, into zwischen (to a place) between
    neben (to a place) beside
    When two-way prepositions are used with the accusative case, they (1) designate a change of location or destination of movement, or (2) are in idiomatic expressions requiring the use of the accusative.
    EXAMPLES of 2-WAY PREPOSITIONS + ACCUSATIVE to indicate DESTINATIONS:
    Sie geht gerade in die Bank. She is going into the bank. “Into the bank” is a destination of movement, hence in takes the acc.
    Ich setzte mich neben ihn. I sat down next to him. “Next to him” is a destination of movement, hence neben uses acc.
    Grete wartet auf ihren Vater. Grete is waiting for her father. “Her father” is the acc.object of auf because the idiom warten auf requires the use of the acc.case.
    In addition to the meanings listed , the two-way prepositions + accusative have a wide range of idiomatic meanings, as the last example above shows: warten auf (+ acc.) = to wait for.

    Nouns and pronouns in the ACCUSATIVE CASE

    Finally, here are some examples of nouns and pronouns in the accusative case. Words and endings in red indicate a form that differs from the corresponding nominative case form.
    Nouns Personal Pronouns
    masculine feminine neuter plural
    den Onkel diesen Onkel einen Onkel keinen Onkel unserenOnkel die Tante diese Tante eine Tante keine Tante unsere Tante das Buch dieses Buch ein Buch kein Buch unser Buch die Kinder diese Kinder Kinder keine Kinder unsere Kinder mich dich ihn, sie, es uns euch Sie, sie
     ]]>

    German Classes-Accusative Case Read More »

    German Classes-Conjugation of German Verbs

    Classroom - German /

    German Conjugation German Classes in Coimbatore Conjugation of German Irregular Verbs:

    Regular Verbs:

    1. ARBEITEN : to work
    Ich: arbeite Wir: arbeiten
    Du: arbeitest Ihr: arbeitet
    Er: arbeitet Sie: arbeiten
    2. DISKUTIEREN : to discuss
    Ich: diskutiere Wir: diskutieren
    Du: diskutierst Ihr: diskutiert
    Er: diskutiert Sie: diskutieren
    3. FLIEGEN : to fly
    Ich: fliege Wir: fliegen
    Du: fliegst Ihr: fliegt
    Er: fliegt Sie: fliegen
    4. GEHEN : to go
    Ich: gehe Wir: gehen
    Du: gehst Ihr: geht
    Er: geht Sie: gehen
    5. HEISSEN : to be called
    Ich: heisse Wir: heissen
    Du: heisst Ihr: heisst
    Er: heisst Sie: heissen
    6. HÖREN : to listen
    Ich: höre Wir: hören
    Du: hörst Ihr: hört
    Er: hört Sie: hören
    7. KOCHEN : to cook
    Ich: koche Wir: kochen
    Du: kochst Ihr: kocht
    Er: kocht Sie: kochen
    8. KOMMEN : to come
    Ich: komme Wir: kommen
    Du: kommst Ihr: kommt
    Er: kommt Sie: kommen
    9. LERNEN : to learn
    Ich: lerne Wir: lernen
    Du: lernst Ihr: lernt
    Er: lernt Sie: lernen
    10. LIEBEN : to love
    Ich: liebe Wir: lieben
    Du: liebst Ihr: liebt
    Er: liebt Sie: lieben
    11. MACHEN : to do/to make
    Ich: mache Wir: machen
    Du: machst Ihr: macht
    Er: macht Sie: machen
    12. PROBIEREN : to try
    Ich: probiere Wir: probieren
    Du: probierst Ihr: probiert
    Er: probiert Sie: probieren
    13. REISEN : to travel
    Ich: reise Wir: reisen
    Du: reist Ihr: reist
    Er: reist Sie: reisen
    14. REITEN : to ride
    Ich: reite Wir: reiten
    Du: reitest Ihr: reitet
    Er: reitet Sie: reiten
    15. SCHWIMMEN : to swim
    Ich: schwimme Wir: schwimmen
    Du: schwimmst Ihr: schwimmt
    Er: schwimmt Sie: schwimmen
    16. SPIELEN : to play
    Ich: spiele Wir: spielen
    Du: spielst Ihr: spielt
    Er: spielt Sie: spielen
    17. STUDIEREN : to study
    Ich: studiere Wir: studieren
    Du: studierst Ihr: studiert
    Er: studiert Sie: studieren
    18. SUCHEN : to search for
    Ich: suche Wir: suchen
    Du: suchst Ihr: sucht
    Er: sucht Sie: suchen
    19. TANZEN : to dance
    Ich: tanze Wir: tanzen
    Du: tanzt Ihr: tanzt
    Er: tanzt Sie: tanzen
    20. TREIBEN : to do sports
    Ich: treibe Wir: treiben
    Du: treibst Ihr: treibt
    Er: treibt Sie: treiben
    21. TRINKEN : to drink
    Ich: trinke Wir: trinken
    Du: trinkst Ihr: trinkt
    Er: trinkt Sie: trinken
    22. WOHNEN : to live
    Ich: wohne Wir: wohnen
    Du: wohnst Ihr: wohnt
    Er: wohnt Sie: wohnen
    23. ÖFFNEN : to open
    Ich: öffne Wir: öffnen
    Du: öffnest Ihr: öffnet
    Er: öffnet Sie: öffnen
    DAS IMPERFEKT: strong verbs
    1. ESSEN : to eat
    Ich: aß Wir: aßen
    Du: aßest Ihr: aßt
    Er: aß Sie: aßen
    2. FALLEN : to fall
    Ich: fiel Wir: fielen
    Du: fielst Ihr: fielt
    Er: fiel Sie: fielen
    3. FANGEN : to catch
    Ich: fing Wir: fingen
    Du: fingst Ihr: fingt
    Er: fing Sie: fingen
    4. FINDEN : to find
    Ich: fand Wir: fanden
    Du: fandst Ihr: fandet
    Er: fand Sie: fanden
    5. WACHSEN : to grow
    Ich: wuchs Wir: wuchsen
    Du: wuchsest Ihr: wuchst
    Er: wuchs Sie: wuchsen
    6. GEBEN : to give
    Ich: gab Wir: gaben
    Du: gabst Ihr: gabt
    Er: gab Sie: gaben
    7. HALTEN : to stop
    Ich: hielt Wir: hielten
    Du: hieltst Ihr: hieltet
    Er: hielt Sie: hielten
    8. LASSEN : to allow
    Ich: ließ Wir: ließen
    Du: ließest Ihr: ließt
    Er: ließ Sie: ließen
    9. LAUFEN : to run
    Ich: lief Wir: liefen
    Du: liefst Ihr: lieft
    Er: lief Sie: liefen
    10. LESEN : to read
    Ich: las Wir: lasen
    Du: lasest Ihr: last
    Er: las Sie: lasen
    11. WISSEN : to know
    Ich: wusste Wir: wussten
    Du: wusstest Ihr: wusstet
    Er: wusste Sie: wussten
     
    12. MESSEN : to measure
    Ich: maß Wir: maßen
    Du: maßest Ihr: maßt
    Er: maß Sie: maßen
    13. RIECHEN : to smell
    Ich: roch Wir: rochen
    Du: rochst Ihr: rocht
    Er: roch Sie: rochen
    14. RINNEN : to trickle
    Ich: rann Wir: rannen
    Du: rannst Ihr: rannt
    Er: rann Sie: rannen
    15. RUFEN : to call
    Ich: rief Wir: riefen
    Du: riefst Ihr: rieft
    Er: rief Sie: riefen
    16. SCHEIDEN : to separate
    Ich: schied Wir: schieden
    Du: schiedst Ihr: schiedet
    Er: schied Sie: schieden
    17. SCHLAFEN : to sleep
    Ich: schlief Wir: schliefen
    Du: schliefst Ihr: schlieft
    Er: schlief Sie: schliefen
    18. SCHLAGEN : to hit
    Ich: schlug Wir: schlugen
    Du: schlugst Ihr: schlugt
    Er: schlug Sie: schlugen
    19. SCHLIESSEN to close
    Ich: schloss Wir: schlossen
    Du: schlossest Ihr: schlosst
    Er: schloss Sie: schlossen
    20. SCHREIBEN : to write
    Ich: schrieb Wir: schrieben
    Du: schriebst Ihr: schriebt
    Er: schrieb Sie: schrieben
       ]]>

    German Classes-Conjugation of German Verbs Read More »

    Dutch Lessons-Vocabulary

    Classroom - Dutch /

    Learn Dutch  New words 

    de winkel the store 
    het kantoor the office
    de stad the city
    het eten the food, meal
    de aardappel the potato
    de school the school
    de groente the vegetables
    de muziek the music
    de piano the piano
    het uur the hour
    het huiswerk the homework
    de kilometer the kilometer
       
    tekenen to draw
    fietsen to bike
    houden van to like
    doen to do
    spelen to play
    koken to cook, boil
    winkelen to go shopping
    oefenen to exercise, train, practice
    buitenshuis outside the house
    gisteren yesterday
    vanmorgen this morning
    middag afternoon
    avond evening
    nacht night (tonight)
    verleden week last week
    jaar year
    maand month
    elk(e) each
    ook also
    bij at
    met with
    heerlijk delicious
    eerst first
    verder further
    zoveel so much, many 
    toen then (past tense)
    duizend(en) thousand(s)
    waar where
    vandaag today
    maandag Monday
    dinsdag Tuesday
    woensdag Wednesday
    donderdag Thursday
    vrijdag Friday
    zaterdag Saturday
    zondag Sunday
    Duitsland Germany
    Frankrijk France
    Spanje Spain
    Zwitserland Switzerland
    Oostenrijk Austria
    Rusland Russia
    Belgie Belgium

    Dutch Useful Words

    sometimes soms
    always altijd
    never nooit
    often vaak, dikwijls
    usually gewoonlijk
    now nu
    and en
    but maar
    or of
    very zeer, heel
    here hier
    there daar
    also ook
    much veel
    another een ander
    already al
    perhaps misschien

    Dutch Question Words

    who wie where waar
    what wat where to waar… naartoe
    why waarom where from waar… vandaan
    when wanneer which welk / welke
    how hoe Isn’t it?, etc. niet waar?

    Dutch Numbers

    0 nul
    1 een 1st eerste
    2 twee 2nd tweede
    3 drie 3rd drede
    4 vier 4th vierde
    5 vijf 5th vijfde
    6 zes 6th zesde
    7 zeven 7th zevende
    8 acht 8th achtste
    9 negen 9th negende
    10 tien 10th tiende
    11 elf 11th elfde
    12 twaalf 12th twaalfde
    13 dertien 13th dertiende
    14 veertien 14th veertiende
    15 vijftien 15th vijftiende
    16 zestien 16th zestiende
    17 zeventien 17th zeventiende
    18 achttien 18th achttiende
    19 negentien 19th negentiende
    20 twintig 20th twintigste
    21 eenentwintig 21st eenentwintigste
    22 tweeëntwintig 22nd tweeëntwintigste
    23 drieëntwintig 23rd drieentwintigste
    30 dertig 30th dertigste
    40 veertig 40th veertigste
    50 vijftig 50th vijftigste
    60 zestig 60th zestigste
    70 zeventig 70th zeventigste
    80 tachtig 80th tachtigste
    90 negentig 90th negentigste
    100 honderd 100th honderdste
    101 honderd en een 101st honderd en eerste
    110 honderd tien 110th honderd tiende
    200 tweehonderd 200th tweehonderdste
    1,000 duizend 1,000th duizendste
    1,001 duizend en een 1,001st duizend en eerste
    million een miljoen millionth miljoenste
    billion een miljard billionth miljardste
    de helft half een keer once
    een derde one third twee keer twice
    een kwart one quarter drie keer three time
    In the word for twenty-two, the ë is necessary because there are three of the same vowels in a row, and the accent mark shows that the third one needs to be pronounced separately. The use of commas and decimals is reversed in Dutch.

    Dutch Days of the Week

    Monday maandag
    Tuesday dinsdag
    Wednesday woensdag
    Thursday donderdag
    Friday vrijdag
    Saturday zaterdag
    Sunday zondag
    day dag
    morning ochtend
    afternoon middag
    evening avond
    night nacht
    today vandaag
    tomorrow morgen
    tonight deze nacht
    yesterday gisteren
    last night (de) afgelopen nacht
    day after tomorrow overmorgen
    day before yesterday eergisteren
    week week
    last week afgelopen week
    weekend weekend
    daily dagelijks
    weekly wekelijks

    Dutch Months of the Year

    January januari
    February februari
    March maart
    April april
    May mei
    June juni
    July juli
    August augustus
    September september
    October oktober
    November november
    December december
    month maand
    year jaar
    last year het afgelopen jaar
    monthly maandelijks
    yearly jaarlijks

    Dutch Seasons and Directions

    Winter de winter
    Spring de lente / het voorjaar
    Summer de zomer
    Autumn de herfst / het najaar
    Compass/Wind Location/Movement
    North noord noorden right rechts
    South zuid zuiden left links
    East oost oosten straight rechtdoor
    West west westen

    Dutch Colors and Shapes

    orange oranje square vierkant
    pink roze circle cirkel
    purple paars triangle driehoek
    blue blauw rectangle rechthoek
    yellow geel oval ovaal
    red rood box vak
    black zwart sphere bol
    brown bruin cube kubus
    gray grijs pyramid piramide
    white wit cone kegel
    green groen cylinder cilinder
    silver zilver heart hart
    gold goud star ster
    beige beige diamond diamant
    light licht crescent halvemaan
    dark donker

    Dutch Family and Pets Vocabulary

    family familie sister-in-law schoonzuster
    parents ouders brother-in-law zwager
    mother moeder / mamma godmother meter
    father vader / papa godfather peetvader
    child / children kind / kinderen boy jongen
    son zoon girl meisje (n)
    daughter dochter child kind
    brother broeder / broer man, husband man
    Sister zuster / zus woman, wife vrouw
    grandparents grootouder friend (m) vriend
    grandfather grootvader / opa friend (f) vriendin
    grandmother grootmoeder / oma adult volwassene
    grandchildren kleinkinderen relative bloedverwant
    grandson kleinzoon siblings broers en zusters
    granddaughter kleindochter twin tweeling
    niece / cousin (f) nicht birth geboorte
    nephew / cousin (m) neef death dood
    uncle oom marriage huwelijk (n)
    aunt tante divorce echtscheiding
    stepmother stiefmoeder
    stepfather stiefvader dog hond
    stepdaughter stiefdochter cat poes
    stepson stiefzoon bird vogel
    stepsister stiefzuster goldfish goudvis
    stepbrother stiefbroeder gerbil woestijnrat
    mother-in-law schoonmoeder hamster hamster
    father-in-law schoonvader ferret fret
    daughter-in-law schoondochter horse paard
    son-in-law schoonzoon pony pony
    Download the Book on Vocabulary]]>

    Dutch Lessons-Vocabulary Read More »

    Dutch Lesson-Verb Conjugation

    Classroom - Dutch /

    Dutch Classes in Coimbatore

    Dutch English
    ik heb I have
    je/jij hebt (heb je/jij?) you have (informal)
    u heeft you have (formal)
    hij/ze/zij/het heeft he/she/it has
    we/wij hebben we have
    jullie hebben you have
    ze/zij hebben they have
    Note i: When jij/je follows the verb, no -t is added. Normally we say: jij/je hebt. In reverse order we get: Heb jij/je, eg. in questions. 2.7 The question vorm De vragende vorm (The question form): In questions the order of subject and verb is reversed: Jij hebt een huis – Heb jij een huis? (huis – house) Hij is een man – Is hij een man? Weak Verbs: The verb `werken'(to work) can serve as a model for a group of so-called weak verbs which are all conjugated the same way and form the various tenses on the same principles. These verbs are called `weak’ because the stem of the verb, in this case `werk’, never changes. werken(to work)
    Person Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    1  ik werk ik werkte ik heb gewerkt
    2  jij werkt jij werkte jij hebt gewerkt
    3  hij werkt hij werkte hij heeft gewerkt
    3 zij werkt zij werkte zij heeft gewerkt
    3 het werkt het werkte het heeft gewerkt
    1  wij werken wij werkten wij hebben gewerkt
    2  jullie werken jullie werkten jullie hebben gewerkt
    3  zij werken zij werkten zij hebben gewer
      luisteren(to listen)
    Person Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    1 ik luister ik luisterde ik heb geluisterd
    2 jij luistert jij luisterde jij hebt geluisterd
    3 hij luistert hij luisterde hij heeft geluisterd
    3 zij luistert zij luisterde zij heeft geluisterd
    3 het luistert het luisterde het heeft geluisterd
    1 wij luisteren wij luisterden wij hebben geluisterd
    2 jullie luisteren jullie luisterden jullie hebben geluisterd
    3 zij luisteren zij luisterden zij hebben geluisterd
    Words that have a k, f, s, ch, or p before the `-en’ in the infinitive, such as `werken’ above, form the Past Tense and Perfect Tenses by means of a t; all other weak verbs take a d. Note: The same happens in spoken form in English words: a t is heard in `worked’ and `chopped’ although these words are spelled with a d. In words like `listened’ and `lived’ on the other hand, a d sound is heard. An easy way to remember which words take t is to form a word of the letters mentioned above, namely KoFSCHiP. Other verbs in this group are: wandelen(to stroll, to go for a walk), poetsen(to brush), fietsen(to bike), branden (to burn), winkelen(to go shopping), antwoorden(to answer), regenen(to rain), tekenen(to draw), oefenen(to practice, to exercise), and zeilen(to sail). Exercise 31. Conjugate the words in the previous paragraph in the same way as in the examples above. A verb which is also `weak’ because the stem doesn’t change, is, for example, `wonen'(to live, to reside). Words like `wonen’ are here put in a different group because of the difference in spelling. wonen
    Person Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    1 ik woon ik woonde ik heb gewoond
    2 jij woont jij woonde jij hebt gewoond
    3 hij woont hij woonde hij heeft gewoond
    1 wij wonen wij woonden wij hebben gewoond
    2 jullie wonen jullie woonden jullie hebben gewoond
    3 zij wonen zij woonden zij hebben gewoond
    The stem of the verb `branden’ ends on a `d’ (brand). When `de(n)’ is added for the past tense, there will be two d’s. Branden:
    Person Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    1 ik brand ik brandde ik heb gebrand
    2 jij brandt jij brandde jij hebt gebrand
    3 hij brandt hij brandde hij heeft gebrand
    1 wij branden wij brandden wij hebben gebrand
    2 jullie branden jullie brandden jullie hebben gebrand
    3 zij branden zij brandden zij hebben gebrand
    Other verbs that belong to the same group are, among others, leren(to learn), maken(to make), smaken(to taste), spelen(to play), parkeren(to park), horen(to hear), koken(to cook or boil), lenen(to lend or borrow), plagen(to tease), halen(to fetch), and menen(to mean). Exercise 32. Conjugate the verbs above in all three given tenses. Tenses of ‘to be’ Tenses of `zijn’:
    Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    ik ben ik was ik ben geweest (I have been)
    jij bent jij was jij bent geweest
    hij is hij was hij is geweest
    wij zijn wij waren wij zijn geweest
    jullie zijn jullie waren jullie zijn geweest
    zij zijn zij waren zij zijn geweest

    Tenses of ‘to have’ Tenses of hebben:

    Present Indefinite Past Indefinite Present Perfect
    ik heb ik had ik heb gehad
    jij hebt jij had jij hebt gehad
    hij heeft hij had hij heeft gehad
    wij hebben wij hadden wij hebben gehad
    jullie hebben jullie hadden jullie hebben gehad
    zij hebben zij hadden zij hebben gehad
    Exercise 33. Change the following sentences first in the Past Tense and then in the Present Perfect Tense: 1. Ik heb een zusje. 2. Wij hebben een mooi huis. 3. Jij hebt een broer. 4. Hij heeft drie kinderen. 5. Jullie hebben een tafel. 6. Zij heeft twee zusjes. 7. Zij hebben een huis. Verbs expressing motion or change of state: The verbs `komen’ (to come), `gaan'(to go), `worden'(to become), `gebeuren'(to happen), `zijn’, and certain other verbs ,if they express motion to a destination, such as `fietsen’, `zwemmen'(to swim), `rijden'(to ride), `vertrekken'(to leave or depart), `lopen'(to walk), etc. take the helping verb `zijn’. ik ben gekomen, jij bent gekomen, hij is gekomen, etc. ik ben gegaan, jij bent gegaan, hij is gegaan, etc. ik ben (naar school (to school)) gefietst, etc. Also: de trein is vertrokken (the train has left), etc. het is gebeurd (it has happened), etc. het is koud geworden (it has become cold), etc. Also: hij is geboren (he was born), etc. hij is gestorven (he has died), etc. zij is getrouwd (she was married), etc. Exercise 34. Give the correct form of the verb, in the Present Tense, the Past Tense, and the Present Perfect Tense: 1. Ik (zijn) (g)een meisje. 2. Mary (zijn) ook een meisje. 3. (Zijn) jij een man of een vrouw? 4. Hij  (hebben) een goed boek. 5. (Hebben) jij  ook een mooi boek? 6. De jongen (wandelen) in de tuin. 7. Mary (werken) in de stad. 8. (Luisteren) jullie naar de radio? 9. Philip (luisteren) niet. 10. Hij (praten) te veel. 11. De atleet (oefenen) elke morgen (morning). 12. Waar (planten) je vader de boom? 13. Ik (kennen (to know a person) de vrouw niet. 14. Suzan (branden) haar vinger. 15. (Zagen (to saw, cut) jij het hout voor het vuur? 16. (Wonen) (to live) je vriendin in Grand Rapids? 17. Nee, zij (wonen) in Grand Haven. 18. Ik (pakken) het boek van de tafel. 19. Waar (zijn) het boek? 20. Het kind (spelen) (to play) buiten (outside). 21. Waar (maken) ze auto’s? 22. Zij (singular) (studeren) Nederlands. 23. De student (beantwoorden) de vraag (question). 24. (Oefenen) jij elke (every) dag op de piano? 25. De speler (raken) (to touch) de bal (ball).
    No. Present tense Past tense Present Perfect tense
    1 Ik ben (g)een meisje. Ik was (g)een meisje. Ik ben (g)een meisje geweest.
    2 Mary is ook een meisje. Mary was ook een meisje. Mary is ook een meisje geweest.
    3 Ben jij een man of een vrouw? Was jij een man of een vrouw? Ben jij een man of een vrouw geweest?
    4 Hij heeft een goed boek. Hij had een goed boek. Hij heeft een goed boek gehad.
    5 Heb jij ook een mooi boek? Had jij ook een mooi boek? Heb jij ook een mooi boek gehad?
    6 De jongen wandelt in de tuin. De jongen wandelde in de tuin. De jongen heeft in de tuin gewandeld.
    7 Mary werkt in de stad Mary werkte in de stad Mary heeft in de stad gewerkt.
    8 Luisteren jullie naar de radio? Luisterden jullie naar de radio? Hebben jullie naar de radio geluisterd?
    9 Philip luistert niet. Philip luisterde niet. Philip heeft niet geluisterd.
    10 Hij praat te veel. Hij praatte te veel. Hij heeft te veel gepraat.
    11 De atleet oefent elke morgen. De atleet oefende elke morgen. De atleet heeft elke morgen geoefend.
    12 Waar plant je vader de boom? Waar plantte je vader de boom? Waar heeft je vader de boom geplant?
    13 Ik ken de vrouw niet. Ik kende de vrouw niet. Ik heb de vrouw niet gekend.
    14 Suzan brandt haar vinger. Suzan brandde haar vinger. Suzan heeft haar vinger gebrand.
    15 Zaag jij het hout voor het vuur? Zaagde jij het hout voor het vuur? Heb jij het hout voor het vuur gezaagd?
    16 Woont je vriendin in Grand Rapids? Woonde je vriendin in Grand Rapids? Heeft je vriendin in Grand Rapids gewoond?
    17 Nee, zij woont in Grand Haven. Nee, zij woonde in Grand Haven. Nee, zij heeft in Grand Haven gewoond.
    18 Ik pak het boek van de tafel. Ik pakte het boek van de tafel. Ik heb het boek van de tafel gepakt.
    19 Waar is het boek? Waar was het boek? Waar is het boek geweest?
    20 Het kind speelt buiten. Het kind speelde buiten. Het kind heeft buiten gespeeld.
    21 Waar maken ze auto’s? Waar maakten ze auto’s? Waar hebben ze auto’s gemaakt?
    22 Zij studeert Nederlands. Zij studeerde Nederlands. Zij heeft Nederlands gestudeerd.
    23 De student beantwoordt de vraag. De student beantwoordde de vraag. De student heeft de vraag beantwoord.
    24 Oefen jij elke dag op de piano? Oefende jij elke dag op de piano? Heb jij elke dag op de piano geoefend?
    25 De speler raakt de bal. De speler raakte de bal. De speler heeft de bal geraakt.
    Exercise 35. Change the following sentences first a) into the Past, then b) into the Present Perfect Tense. 1. Meneer Van Dam werkt in Amsterdam. 2. Hij heeft een mooi huis. 3. Hij woont niet in de stad. 4. Is zijn vrouw ziek? 5. Mevrouw Van Dam fietst elke dag naar de stad. (motion) 6. Haar dochter (daughter) gaat(ging – gegaan: to go) ook naar de stad. 7. Zij praten met de bakker. 8. De bakker bakt (bakte – gebakken) heerlijk (delicious) brood. 9. Het regent vaak (often) in Nederland. 10. De studenten luisteren naar (to) de leraar (teacher). 11. Zij kennen de goede antwoorden. 12. Ik hoor een man in het huis. 13. Mijn zuster leert elke dag veel nieuwe woorden. 14. Wij oefenen in de garage. 15. De groente van de markt smaakt heerlijk. 16. Lenen jullie altijd geld bij de bank? 17. De baby speelt in de kinderkamer. 18. Vader parkeert zijn auto voor de voordeur. 19. Kook jij de groente altijd zo lang? 20. De vrouwen winkelen in de stad. 21. Het vuur brandt al(already) een uur. 22. Ik zeil graag(with pleasure) op het IJsselmeer. 23. Waarom (why) beantwoord je mijn vraag niet? 24. Zij halen (to fetch) de fiets uit (from) de schuur (shed). 25. Wim plaagt de hond.
    1 Meneer Van Dam werkt in Amsterdam. Meneer Van Dam werkte in Amsterdam. Meneer Van Dam heeft in Amsterdam gewerkt.
    2 Hij heeft een mooi huis. Hij had een mooi huis. Hij heeft een mooi huis gehad.
    3 Hij woont niet in de stad. Hij woonde niet in de stad. Hij heeft niet in de stad gewoond.
    4 Is zijn vrouw ziek? Was  zijn vrouw ziek? Is zijn vrouw ziek geweest?
    5 Mevrouw Van Dam fietst elke dag naar de stad. Mevrouw Van Dam fietste elke dag naar de stad. Mevrouw Van Dam is elke dag naar de stad gefietst.
    6 Haar dochter gaat ook naar de stad. Haar dochter ging ook naar de stad. Haar dochter is ook naar de stad gegaan.
    7 Zij praten met de bakker. Zij praatten met de bakker. Zij hebben met de bakker gepraat.
    8 De bakker bakt heerlijk brood. De bakker bakte heerlijk brood. De bakker heeft heerlijk brood gebakken.
    9 Het regent vaak in Nederland. Het regende vaak in Nederland. Het heeft vaak in Nederland geregend.
    10 De studenten luisteren naar de leraar. De studenten luisterden naar de leraar. De studenten hebben naar de leraar geluisterd.
    11 Zij kennen de goede antwoorden. Zij kenden de goede antwoorden. Zij hebben de goede antwoorden gekend.
    12 Ik hoor een man in het huis. Ik hoorde een man in het huis. Ik heb een man in het huis gehoord.
    13 Mijn zuster leert elke dag veel nieuwe woorden. Mijn zuster leerde elke dag veel nieuwe woorden. Mijn zuster heeft elke dag veel nieuwe woorden geleerd.
    14 Wij oefenen in de garage. Wij oefenden in de garage. Wij hebben in de garage geoefend.
    15 De groente van de markt smaakt heerlijk. De groente van de markt smaakte heerlijk. De groente van de markt heeft heerlijk gesmaakt.
    16 Lenen jullie altijd geld bij de bank? Leenden jullie altijd geld bij de bank? Hebben jullie altijd geld bij de bank geleend?
    17 De baby speelt in de kinderkamer. De baby speelde in de kinderkamer. De baby heeft in de kinderkamer gespeeld.
    18 Vader parkeert zijn auto voor de voordeur. Vader parkeerde zijn auto voor de voordeur. Vader heeft zijn auto voor de voordeur geparkeerd.
    19 Kook jij de groente altijd zo lang? Kookte jij de groente altijd zo lang? Heb jij de groente altijd zo lang gekookt?
    20 De vrouwen winkelen in de stad. De vrouwen winkelden in de stad. De vrouwen hebben in de stad gewinkeld.
    21 Het vuur brandt al een uur. Het vuur brandde al een uur. Het vuur heeft al een uur gebrand.
    22 Ik zeil graag op het IJsselmeer. Ik zeilde graag op het IJsselmeer Ik heb graag op het IJsselmeer gezeild.
    23 Waarom beantwoord je mijn vraag niet? Waarom beantwoordde je mijn vraag niet? Waarom heb je mijn vraag niet beantwoord?
    24 Zij halen de fiets uit de schuur. Zij haalden de fiets uit de schuur. Zij hebben de fiets uit de schuur gehaald.
    25 Wim plaagt de hond. Wim plaagde de hond. Wim heeft de hond geplaagd.

    Inversion of subject and verb

    The basic order of a Dutch sentence is: 2. verb 3. other elements of the sentence. If an adverb or other elements for some reason precedes the subject, the order of subject – verb is inverted. 1. 2. Mevrouw Van Dam heeft drie kinderen. 2. 1. Nu(now) heeft mevrouw Van Dam drie kinderen.   Exercise 36. Rewrite the following sentences, adding first `vandaag’ (today) and then `gisteren’ (yesterday – Present Perfect Tense) to the beginning: 1. Hij woont in Leiden. 2. Wij hebben drie kinderen. 3. Het kind speelt in de tuin (yard). 4. Henk luistert naar(to) de radio. 5. Hannie oefent op(on) de piano. 6. Vader werkt in de tuin. 7. Jullie fietsen naar Amsterdam. 25 9. Zij parkeren de auto in de garage. 10.Moeder kookt het eten (the food).
    1 Hij woont in Leiden. Vandaag woont hij in Leiden. Gisteren heeft hij in Leiden gewoond.
    2 Wij hebben drie kinderen. Vandaag hebben wij drie kinderen. Gisteren hebben wij drie kinderen gehad.
    3 Het kind speelt in de tuin. Vandaag speelt het kind in de tuin. Gisteren heeft het kind in de tuin gespeeld.
    4 Henk luistert naar de radio. Vandaag luistert Henk naar de radio. Gisteren heeft Henk naar de radio geluisterd.
    5 Hannie oefent op de piano. Vandaag oefent Hannie op de piano. Gisteren heeft Hannie op de piano geoefend.
    6 Vader werkt in de tuin. Vandaag werkt vader in de tuin. Gisteren heeft vader in de tuin gewerkt.
    7 Jullie fietsen naar Amsterdam. Vandaag fietsen jullie naar Amsterdam. Gisteren zijn jullie naar Amsterdam gefietst.
    8 ?? ?? ??
    9 Zij parkeren de auto in de garage. Vandaag parkeren zij de auto in de garage. Gisteren hebben zij de auto in de garage geparkeerd.
    10 Moeder kookt het eten. Vandaag kookt moeder het eten. Gisteren heeft moeder het eten gekookt.
    Not Niet: `Niet’ normally follows the verb: Wij gaan naar huis. Wij gaan niet naar huis. As a rule `niet’ precedes the adverb it negates: Hij eet veel (he eats much) – Hij eet niet veel (he doesn’t eat much) `Niet’ usually follows the object: Ik zie (see) hem – Ik zie hem niet. The positive form of `niet’ is `wel’. Example: Henk werkt niet. Wim werkt wel. (Henk does not work. Wim does.) Henk houdt niet van fietsen. Wim houdt wel van fietsen. (Wim wel.) Exercise 37. Give the correct form of the verb, then rewrite the sentences in a. the Past and b. the Present Perfect Tense. 1. Vandaag (koken) hij aardappelen en groente. 2. Jij (luisteren) niet goed naar mij. 3. Wim (oefenen) vijf keer per week. 4. De atleten (wonen) in het olympisch dorp(village). 5. Zij (praten) met hun trainers. 6. Ik (horen) niet veel. 7. (Branden) het vuur goed? 8. De kinderen (spelen) op straat. 9. Het (regenen) de hele dag. 10. In de zomer (zeilen) wij veel.
    No. Present tense Past tense Present Perfect tense
    1 Vandaag kookt hij aardappelen en groente. Vandaag kookte hij aardappelen en groente. Vandaag heeft hij aardappelen en groente gekookt.
    2 Jij luistert niet goed naar mij. Jij luisterde niet goed naar mij. Jij hebt niet goed naar mij geluisterd.
    3 Wim oefent vijf keer per week. Wim oefende vijf keer per week. Wim heeft vijf keer per week geoefend.
    4 De atleten wonen in het olympisch dorp. De atleten woonden in het olympisch dorp. De atleten hebben in het olympisch dorp gewoond.
    5 Zij praten met hun trainers. Zij praatten met hun trainers. Zij hebben met hun trainers gepraat.
    6 Ik hoor niet veel. Ik hoorde niet veel. Ik heb niet veel gehoord.
    7 Brandt het vuur goed? Brandde het vuur goed? Heeft het vuur goed gebrand?
    8 De kinderen spelen op straat. De kinderen speelden op straat. De kinderen hebben op straat gespeeld.
    9 Het regent de hele dag. Het regende de hele dag. Het heeft de hele dag geregend.
    10 In de zomer zeilen wij veel. In de zomer zeilden wij veel. In de zomer hebben wij veel gezeild.
    4.1 More weak verbs More weak verbs:
    Infinitive Stem Past Indefinite Past Participle
    praten (to talk) praat praatte(n) gepraat
    studeren (to study) studeer studeerde(n) gestudeerd
    leren (to learn, teach) leer leerde(n) geleerd
    kleden (to dress) kleed kleedde(n) gekleed
    heten (to be called) heet heette(n) geheten
    leggen (to lay, put) leg legde(n) gelegd
    bakken (to bake, fry) bak bakte(n) gebakken
           
    betalen (to pay) betaal betaalde(n) betaald
    beantwoorden (to answer) beantwoord beantwoordde(n) beantwoord
    betekenen (to mean) beteken betekende(n) betekend
           
    vertellen (to tell) vertel vertelde(n) verteld
    verkleden (to change) verkleed verkleedde(n) verkleed
    verbranden (to burn) verbrand verbrandde(n) verbrand
    Some common strong verbs: Note: The term `strong verb’ signifies that the vowel in the stem of the verb changes when the tense changes.
    Infinitive Stem Past Indefinite Past Participle
    doen (to do) doe deed (deden) gedaan
    lopen (to walk) loop liep(en) gelopen
    zeggen (to say) zeg zei(den) gezegd
    zien (to see) zie zag(en) gezien
    liggen (to lie) lig lag(en) gelegen
    zitten (to sit) zit zat(en) gezeten
    staan (to stand) sta stond(en) gestaan
    gaan (to go) ga ging(en) gegaan
    slaan (to hit) sla sloeg(en) geslagen
    rijden (to ride, drive) rijd reed (reden) gereden
    vragen (to ask) vraag vroeg(en) gevraagd
    geven (to give) geef gaf (gaven) gegeven
    kopen (to buy) koop kocht(en) gekocht
    komen (to come) kom kwam(en) gekomen
    weten (to know) weet wist(en) geweten
           
    schrijven (to write) schrijf schreef (schreven) geschreven
    blijven (to remain) blijf bleef (bleven) gebleven
    krijgen (to get, receive) krijg kreeg (kregen) gekregen
           
    lezen (to read) lees las (lazen) gelezen
           
    onthouden (to remember) onthoud onthield(en) onthouden
    ontdekken (to discover) ontdek ontdekte(n) ontdekt
    ontvangen (to receive) ontvang ontving(en) ontvangen
    Note: The `v’ becomes an `f’ at the end of a word. The `z’ becomes an `s’ at the end of a word. If an infinitive begins with a prefix, eg. be-, ver, ont-, the Past Participle does not take ge. Exercise 41. a. Give the correct form of the verb. b. Translate a. into English. c. Rewrite a. in the Past Tense. d. Rewrite a. in the Present Perfect Tense. 1. Moeder (lopen) naar de winkel. 2. Zij (doen) boodschappen. 3. Zij (kopen) brood. 4. De bakker en moeder (zeggen) `Goede Morgen’. 5. Moeder (gaan) naar huis. 6. Vader (blijven) thuis vandaag. 7. Hij (lezen) een goed boek. 8. Henk en Wim (komen) thuis. 9. Zij (zijn) moe. 10. Henk (hebben) ook een beetje hoofdpijn. 11. De stoel (staan) achter de tafel. 12. Ik (zien) hem niet zo goed. 13. Waar (liggen) je boek? 14. Hannie (zitten) aan de tafel. 15. Waarom (slaan) jij je zusje? 16. Vader (rijden) met de auto naar zijn werk. 17. Wim (vragen) hem waar hij (werken). 18. Vader (geven) hem een duidelijk antwoord. 19. Wim (weten) niet waar zijn vaders kantoor (zijn). 20. Krijgen) hij een goed salaris?. 21. Hannie (schrijven) elke week een lange brief. 22. Haar vriendin (lezen) de brief twee keer. 23. Zij (onthouden) elke woord in de brief. 24. Hij (ontdekken) een onbekend (unknown) eiland (island). 25. Henk (ontvangen) een mooie prijs (prize) voor zijn werk.

    Dutch Verbs Know – Kennen and Weten

    kennen – to know people
    singular plural
    Present: know(s) ken ken kennen ken-nuh
    Past: knew kende ken-duh kenden ken-duh
    weten – to know facts
    singular plural
    Present: know(s) weet vayt weten vay-tuh
    Past: knew wist vist wisten vist-uh
     
    ]]>

    Dutch Lesson-Verb Conjugation Read More »

    Scroll to Top