Grammar: Talking About the Past

Using the Perfect Tense in German

The perfect tense is used to talk about actions that have taken place and been completed in the past.
It is formed by using a helper (either haben or sein) and a past participle.

Choosing the Correct Auxiliary Verb

Whether to use haben or sein as the helper verb depends on the main verb in the sentence.
Most verbs use haben, while verbs of movement and a small number of change-of-state verbs use sein.

Understanding Past Participles

The past participle normally starts with ge- and can be formed by taking the infinitive, removing the -en or -n ending, and adding -t or -et.
For example, the past participle of spielen (to play) is gespielt.

Constructing Sentences in the Perfect Tense

The helper verb (haben or sein) goes in the second position of a main clause, while the past participle goes at the end of the sentence.
For instance, “Ich habe Fußball gespielt” (I played football).

Exceptions and Irregularities

Be aware that there are verbs with irregular past participles, or strong verbs, that don’t follow the regular rule.
For example, the past participle of sehen (to see) is gesehen, not geseht.

Talking About the Past Using Modal Verbs

When a modal verb is used, the infinitive of the main verb (not the past participle) goes to the end of the clause, for example: “Ich habe schwimmen können” (I was able to swim).
In this case, the auxiliary verb is always haben, irrespective of the main verb.

Common Errors Avoidance

Don’t forget to use the correct auxiliary verb (haben/sein) according to your main verb. Misuse can change the meaning of the sentence.
Make sure to position the past participle correctly, always at the end of the clause.
Watch out for irregular verbs; always check if they follow the regular ge- prefix and -t suffix rule for past participles.

Tips on Improving Understanding

Practice makes perfect. Regularly practicing the formation and use of the perfect tense will improve understanding and retention.
Read lots of German texts and pay special attention to how the past is expressed.
Attempt to write about your own past experiences or events using the perfect tense.