![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/randy-tarampi-f3hXWpLihus-unsplash-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
We get it \u2013 German conjugation practice is probably not your idea of a good time. There are so many different tenses and irregular verbs you need to memorize. It all seems kind of daunting.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, verbs are essential if you want to master the German language \u2013 there is no way around that. If you want to be fluent, you have to know your verbs. That said, there are a couple of useful German conjugation practice strategies that you can use. These will make your life much simpler and will significantly improve your German.<\/p>\n
Before you get started, it\u2019s important that you understand what conjugation is. It may sound like a scary word only useful in the world of linguistics, but it\u2019s actually just a simple practice we use all the time \u2013 even in English.<\/p>\n
Basically, conjugation is what you do to a verb to show what tense, person, mood, voice, and number the verb relates to. For example, take the German word haben <\/em>(to have). Haben is the infinitive of the verb \u2013 its base form. But if you want to use this verb in a sentence, you might have to conjugate it.<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n Instead of using the infinitive form (haben), you use a conjugated form of the verb. In the first example, hat tells you a lot about the action: such as that it pertains to a 3rd person singular and that it\u2019s all happening in the present tense.<\/p>\n Without conjugation, you wouldn\u2019t be able to tell these things \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t know if he has a dog, had a dog, or will have a dog. Relaying information would be almost impossible without conjugation, and that\u2019s why it\u2019s so important you learn it well. Making a mistake could lead to some unfortunate misunderstandings.<\/p>\n There are six tenses in German overall. There are also two different voices (active and passive). Plus, you have to pay attention to the person, number, and mood. Suffice to say; it\u2019s a lot. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to develop the perfect German conjugation practice strategy. Here is our suggestion:<\/p>\n Before you learn anything else, learn these two verbs: sein<\/em> (to be) and haben<\/em> (to have). These are the two most basic verbs that you will use most often. Not just because they are extremely common, but also because these two also function as the so-called auxiliary verbs <\/strong>(also known as helping verbs).<\/p>\n Without knowing your sein<\/em> and haben<\/em>, you might find it near impossible to use any other verb in, for example, the past tense.<\/p>\n So, before you get ahead of yourself and start googling all the different irregular verbs, make sure you know how to conjugate these two verbs \u2013 start with the present tense, but don\u2019t forget to have a look at the past, too. Mastering sein<\/em> and haben<\/em> should always be your priority when it comes to German conjugation practice.<\/p>\n Tip: <\/strong>Check out our helpful guides to learn all there is to know about sein<\/em><\/a> and haben<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Now that you know your sein and haben, it\u2019s time to look at the present tense. Start with some common verbs such as schreiben <\/em>(to write), wohnen<\/em> (to live), hei\u00dfen<\/em> (to be called), and gehen<\/em> (to go).<\/p>\n Pay attention to the conjugation rules, but don\u2019t forget to look into any irregular verbs that you might come across. Those might require special attention.<\/p>\n Tip: <\/strong>Write down the conjugation of some example verbs and underline all the conjugation markers (i.e., endings). This visual tool might help you remember the rules more easily.<\/p>\n Once you feel confident talking in the present tense, it\u2019s time to take your German conjugation practice to the next level. Now that you know how to say that you\u2019re writing a letter, it\u2019s time to learn how to say that you wrote an email.<\/p>\n Again, start with some of the more common verbs. Figure out what the patterns are and if there are any irregularities. Highlight all the different endings to remember the rules.<\/p>\n If you need help, check out this super helpful video that covers practically everything you need to know about the German past tense:<\/p>\n\n
German Conjugation Practice: The Best Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Start with the basics<\/h3>\n
2. Perfect the present tense<\/h3>\n
3. Move on to the past tense<\/h3>\n