Conjugation of regular verbs (Ich kaufe, du kaufst, etc.)

1. What is this grammar topic about?

• You learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense (Präsens).
• Example verb: kaufen (to buy), arbeiten (to work), heißen (to be called).
• Goal: You can say I work, you live, she is called … in correct German forms.

2. Step 1 – Find the verb stem

Most infinitives (dictionary forms) end in -en:

• kaufen
• lernen
• wohnen
• arbeiten

To get the stem, remove -en:

• Always start from the stem.
• Then add the correct ending for the person (ich, du, er …).

3. Step 2 – The standard endings (ich, du, er, wir, ihr, sie)

Now add these endings to the stem:

Quick pattern to remember:

• Singular: -e, -st, -t → ich, du, er/sie/es
• Plural: -en, -t, -en → wir, ihr, sie

4. Step 3 – Two very useful “anchor forms”

If you know these two, the rest is easier:

• ich → stem + -e
• wir → usually the same as infinitive (stem + -en)

Example with lernen (to learn):

• Infinitive: lernen
• ich lerne
• wir lernen (same as infinitive)

Then fill in the rest around them:

• du → ich-form + -st (lerne → lernst)
• ihr → stem + -t (lern- → lernt)
• er/sie/es → like ihr (lernt)
• sie (Plural) → like wir (lernen)

5. Verbs ending in -d or -t: add an extra -e-

With stems ending in -d or -t, German adds an extra -e- before some endings to make pronunciation easier.

Example: arbeiten → stem: arbeit-

• Extra -e- appears with: du, er/sie/es, ihr.
• Use your ear: *du arbeitst is hard to say → du arbeitest is natural.

More examples (same pattern):

• reden (to talk): du redest, er redet, ihr redet
• warten (to wait): du wartest, er wartet, ihr wartet

6. Verbs ending in -s, -ß, -x, -z: no double -s in du

Some stems already end in an s-sound (s, ß, x, z). Then you do not add another -s in the du-form.

Example: heißen → stem: heiß-

Same idea with other verbs:

• tanzen (to dance): du tanzt (not tanzst)
• mixen (to mix): du mixt (not mixst)
• küssen (to kiss): du küsst (not küssst)

7. Typical confusion: du / er / ihr look similar

These three often cause mistakes because they are visually close.

• Only du has -st.
• er/sie/es and ihr both have -t.
• To decide between er/sie/es and ihr, check the meaning: one person or several “you” (you all)?

8. Mini overview: three common verbs you use a lot

At A1 you often need these for introductions. They are regular here (no stem vowel change):

9. Step-by-step checklist for any new regular verb

1. Find the infinitive (dictionary form).
   • Example: telefonieren.
2. Remove -en and get the stem.
   • telefonieren → stem: telefonier-.
3. Add the endings:
   • ich: telefoniere
   • du: telefonierst
   • er/sie/es: telefoniert
   • wir: telefonieren
   • ihr: telefoniert
   • sie (Plural): telefonieren
4. Check for special endings:
   • Stem ends in d or t? Then add -e- for du / er / ihr.
   • Stem ends in s, ß, x, z? Then du has just -t, not -st.

10. Self-check: Do I really understand this?

Answer these questions for yourself without looking at the table. If you struggle, go back to the step you need.

1. Can I write the six pronouns in order? (ich, du, er/sie/es, wir, ihr, sie)
2. Can I say the ending pattern from memory?
   • -e, -st, -t, -en, -t, -en
3. Can I conjugate a new verb like planen (to plan) correctly?
   • ich plane
   • du planst
   • er plant
   • wir planen
   • ihr plant
   • sie planen
4. Do I know what to do when the stem ends in -t / -d? (add -e-)
5. Do I know what happens in du when the stem ends in s, ß, x, z? (only -t)

If you can answer these with “yes” and give your own examples, you are ready to use these forms in conversation.