PERFEKT cheat sheet How it is formed: Auxiliary verb haben | Learn German with Leo🦁

PERFEKT cheat sheet

How it is formed:
Auxiliary verb haben/sein (in Präsens form) + Partizip II of the main verb

Recall that Partizip II for weak verbs is formed with the prefix -ge and the suffix -t. There is no single formula for strong verbs - you just have to remember them

Ich habe die ganze Woche gearbeitet - I worked all week.
Er ist nach Berlin geflogen - He flew to Berlin.

When to use Perfekt:
Denotes an already completed action, the result of which is relevant in the present

Example:
Ich habe ein neues Auto gekauft.
I bought a new car.

Haben vs. sein: What to put?
Haben is used with most verbs.
Sein is used with the following verbs:
Non-transitive verbs of motion (z.B. fahren, gehen)
Non-transitive verbs of change of state (z.B. aufwachen, einschlafen)
Verbs sein, werden, bleiben, begegnen

What do you need to remember?
The main verb (in Partizip II form) always stays the same, only the auxiliary verb changes

The verb schwimmen is used with either haben or sein - depending on the context. Compare:

Sie sind ans Ufer geschwommen.
They sailed to the shore (the movement was carried out toward a specific goal).
Sie hat mehr als eine Stunde im Pool geschwommen.
She swam in the pool for more than an hour (emphasis on the very fact of the movement, without a specific goal).

Want to learn about other German tenses? Check out the All-in-one pack - link below!