The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense
Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
German grammar tips with
Wunderbla, online German lessons.
The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense
In the perfect tense we use the auxiliary verbs sein (to be) and haben (to have).
Tim ist nach Hannover gefahren.
Tim has gone to Hannover.
Wir haben gestern ein Bier getrunken.
We drank a beer yesterday (literally "have drunk").
We use the auxiliary verb sein (to be) for:
- verbs that imply a change of location, such as fahren (to drive), gehen (to go), schwimmen (to swim), or ankommen (to arrive):
Magda ist gestern 3 Stunden geschwommen.
Magda swam for 3 hours yesterday (literally "has swum").
- Verbs that imply a change of state, such as einschlafen (to go to sleep), aufwachen (to wake up), or schmelzen (to melt):
Sigi ist bei der Arbeit eingeschlafen.
Sigi has fallen asleep at work.
- The verbs sein (to be), bleiben (to stay), werden (to become)
Er ist zu Hause geblieben.
He has stayed at home.
We use the auxiliary verb haben (to have) for all other verbs.
Wir haben letzte Woche 5 Kamele gesehen.
Last week we saw 5 camels (literally "have seen").
Ich habe gestern gearbeitet.
I worked yesterday (literally "have worked").
Habt ihr schon gegessen?
Have you eaten already?
Take your learning further
Still facing difficulties with 'The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense'? Improve your German with Wunderbla - try our German lessons for free now and receive a free level assessment!
Do you know any tips to avoid making mistakes with 'The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense'? Share it with us!
Improve your German further and test Wunderbla, online German lessons.