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Kieran Ball

This guide is perfect for students who need help learning about German verbs. You'll get an introduction to using and recognising German verbs in the following areas:

  • infinitives
  • the special verb "man kann"
  • the future tense
  • the present perfect tense
  • the present tense
Read more

This guide is perfect for students who need help learning about German verbs. You'll get an introduction to using and recognising German verbs in the following areas:

  • infinitives
  • the special verb "man kann"
  • the future tense
  • the present perfect tense
  • the present tense

"German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" is particularly useful for complete beginners in German grammar as everything is explained assuming no prior knowledge. The vocabulary used is limited so as to avoid over-complication. Each tense is explained, showing how to form the tense, how to negate it, and how to translate it to and from English.

Each tense starts with a simple explanation followed by lots of practise sentences to build confidence and proficiency.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn how to form basic sentences using german infinitives and some basic modal verbs
  • You will learn about the verb phrase "man kann"
  • You will learn how to form the future tense
  • You will learn how to form the present tense with regular and some irregular verbs
  • You will learn how to form the past tense with regular verbs

Syllabus

Introduction
Lesson 1
Lesson 1a
Lesson 1b
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation in German verb conjugation, which is essential for building basic communication skills
Focuses on practical application through numerous practice sentences, which reinforces learning and builds confidence
Covers essential tenses like present, past, and future, providing a comprehensive overview for beginners
Explores the usage of modal verbs such as 'man kann,' which are crucial for expressing ability and possibility
Vocabulary is intentionally limited to avoid overwhelming beginners, which allows learners to focus on grammar
Includes a bonus lecture with hints and tips for learning German, which can help learners develop effective study habits

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Reviews summary

Quick start to german verbs

According to learners, the "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course offers a highly accessible introduction to fundamental German verb concepts. Students found it particularly helpful for getting a clear and simple start, especially if they had no prior knowledge of German grammar. The course is praised for its focus on essential topics like infinitives, "man kann," present, future, and present perfect tenses. Many appreciated the step-by-step explanations and the provision of numerous practice sentences which helped solidify understanding. However, some noted that while it's excellent as a quick guide, it lacks depth for those seeking a comprehensive or intermediate-level study.
Delivers key info efficiently, as titled.
"It's a quick guide, perfect for a rapid review."
"Definitely quick, which is good, but I needed other resources to go deeper."
"It lives up to the name 'Quick Guide' - it covers the essentials fast."
Provides many examples to build confidence.
"Lots of good practice sentences helped me feel more confident."
"I found the exercises after each explanation very useful."
"I liked having so many examples to work through."
"The practice material reinforces the lessons well."
Concepts are explained in an easy-to-understand way.
"The way the instructor explained the tenses was very easy to grasp."
"Simple and clear explanations, they don't overcomplicate things."
"I understood the rules right away thanks to the simple language used."
"The instructor makes complex ideas feel very manageable."
Ideal entry point for absolute beginners.
"This course is perfect for someone just starting out with German verbs."
"The explanations were very clear, especially for a complete beginner like me."
"It really helps when you know nothing about German grammar."
"I had zero German experience and this course was easy to follow."
Limited scope for learners beyond the very start.
"It's okay if you are an absolute beginner, but it doesn't go deep enough for me."
"Too basic for me, I was hoping for more comprehensive coverage."
"I realized this is just a quick guide, not the full grammar course I needed."
"If you already know some basics, this might feel repetitive or too simple."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1 with these activities:
Review Basic German Vocabulary
Strengthen your foundation by reviewing basic German vocabulary. Knowing common words will make understanding verb conjugations and sentence structures easier.
Browse courses on German Vocabulary
Show steps
  • Review common nouns and adjectives.
  • Practice using flashcards or language learning apps.
  • Try to form simple sentences with the new words.
Review Collins German Dictionary
Expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of German by using a comprehensive dictionary. This will help you to better understand the context of the verbs you are learning.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the dictionary's features and layout.
  • Look up unfamiliar words and phrases as you encounter them.
  • Pay attention to the example sentences and usage notes.
Review Hammer's German Grammar and Usage
Deepen your understanding of German grammar with a comprehensive grammar book. This will provide a broader context for the specific verb topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the sections related to verb tenses and conjugations.
  • Work through the exercises to test your understanding.
  • Refer back to the book when you encounter difficulties in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conjugate Verbs Daily
Reinforce your understanding of verb conjugations through daily practice. Repetition will help you internalize the patterns and improve your fluency.
Show steps
  • Choose a few verbs to conjugate each day.
  • Write out the conjugations for each tense covered in the course.
  • Use the verbs in example sentences.
Watch German Verb Conjugation Tutorials on YouTube
Supplement your learning with visual and auditory aids by watching German verb conjugation tutorials. This can help you to better understand the patterns and rules of verb conjugation.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific verb tenses or irregular verbs.
  • Take notes on the key points and examples.
  • Practice conjugating verbs along with the tutorial.
Practice Speaking with a Language Partner
Improve your fluency and confidence by practicing speaking German with a language partner. This will give you the opportunity to use the verbs you've learned in real-time conversations.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Choose a topic to discuss and prepare some questions.
  • Take turns asking and answering questions in German.
  • Provide each other with feedback on grammar and pronunciation.
Write a Short Story in German
Apply your knowledge of German verbs by writing a short story. This will force you to actively use the grammar you've learned and identify areas where you need more practice.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a simple plot for your story.
  • Write a first draft, focusing on using correct verb tenses.
  • Revise your story, paying attention to grammar and vocabulary.
  • Share your story with a language partner or tutor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another and must have a strong base in grammar. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course helps build a strong foundation in German verb usage, which is critical for accuracy as a translator. This course provides beginners with a thorough overview of important verb tenses. A translator must understand how to form tenses, express negation, and translate to and from English, all of which are taught in this class. Learning about infinitives and modal verbs will also be useful for translating complex sentences. One who would like to be a translator should enroll in this course as an introduction to German grammar.
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another and requires a thorough knowledge of grammar. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course helps build your understanding of German verbs, which is essential for proficiency as an interpreter. The course covers various tenses, including present, past, and future, as well as the formation and negation of these tenses. An interpreter must be able to understand and use these verb forms accurately and quickly in both languages. This course, with its focus on verb usage, will help those studying to be an interpreter succeed.
Language Teacher
A language teacher instructs students in a specific language and must have a comprehensive understanding of its grammar. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course is useful for those who wish to be language teachers. Knowing how to explain the different German verb tenses and forms is essential for a language teacher. This course covers the present, past, and future tenses, as well as the use of infinitives and modal verbs. A successful language teacher must translate between English and German and understand the nuances of both languages. This course is a good starting point for aspiring language teachers.
Bilingual Customer Service Representative
A bilingual customer service representative assists customers in multiple languages and requires knowledge of grammar. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be useful for someone in this role. A customer service representative must be able to understand and respond to inquiries accurately. This course focuses on verb tenses, which are essential for forming coherent sentences in German. Knowing how to use modal verbs and infinitives is also key to speaking German effectively. This course may help build core skills in German grammar needed to be a more effective customer service representative.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts content for specific locales and languages and requires an understanding of grammar. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course helps build the grammatical foundation for someone in this role. Those in localization must be able to understand the nuances of the target language to ensure that the translated content is grammatically correct. This course on German verbs, including tenses and modal verbs, helps achieve that understanding. The ability to accurately translate and negate sentences, as emphasized in this course, is directly applicable to the work of a localization specialist. The content of this course may help build key skills in German grammar needed for this role.
Content Creator
A content creator develops written or multimedia material in one or more languages. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for a content creator who works with German. Proficiency in grammar is crucial for creating error-free content. This course covers the basics of verb tenses, including the present, past, and future, which will help a content creator ensure their writing is grammatically correct. Understanding modal verbs and infinitives in German, taught in this course, will enable a content creator to write clear and accurate material in German. This course may help build some of the grammar skills needed to be a content creator.
Foreign Language Journalist
A foreign language journalist reports news in another language. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be useful for a journalist who needs to write and understand German. Journalists must have a strong understanding of the language they are working in. This course focuses on German verb tenses, which are essential to writing and understanding clear and accurate articles. Understanding how to form various tenses and utilize modal verbs, as explained in this course, is essential for success. Someone who wishes to work as a journalist should consider taking this course.
Foreign Language Tour Guide
A foreign language tour guide provides information to tourists in a language other than their own and needs a base understanding of the language. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be useful for someone in this role. A tour guide must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in German. This course emphasizes German verb tenses, which are essential for forming coherent sentences. Knowing how to use modal verbs and infinitives is also key to explaining complex ideas. This course may help one make progress toward being a tour guide.
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher studies and analyzes information related to a particular field. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for an academic researcher who needs to read German research material. While research tasks vary widely, this course will help those who need to translate German texts. The course provides a foundational understanding of German verbs, covering the present, past, and future tenses. Being able to form and negate German sentences, as emphasized within this course, may be needed for reading journal articles. Being able to read in German may be essential to researchers in some fields.
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer interviews individuals to determine their eligibility for entry and requires at least some understanding of spoken language. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful as part of the learning process. This course focuses on German verbs, crucial in understanding everyday speech. The course materials cover present, past and future tenses as well as verb negation; these may provide a base familiarity with German needed by immigration officers. The course does not help with speaking or listening, but it may be helpful for those needing a basic understanding of German.
International Sales Representative
An international sales representative is involved in selling products or services to clients in other countries. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be useful for those who work with German-speaking clients. Clear communication is crucial for sales. This course focuses on German verb tenses, which are essential for forming clear sentences. Knowing how to use modal verbs and infinitives, as this course teaches, may help foster a basic understanding of German grammar and usage. This class may help provide a base for those new to working in international sales.
Linguist
A linguist studies language and its structure including grammar, syntax, and phonetics. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for those interested in the German language. While a linguist requires advanced knowledge, this course provides a good starting point for those learning German. The course covers important aspects of German verbs, including tenses, infinitives, and modal verbs. The skills offered by this course may be considered a base for understanding German grammar; however, a linguist will need a deep knowledge of the entire language.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for a technical writer who needs to translate or create documents in German. While technical writing requires precision, it also requires a good understanding of grammar. This course teaches German verb tenses, which are essential for forming correct sentences in German. The ability to negate sentences and translate them, taught in this course, may be helpful in some situations. However, this course does not focus on technical language.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad and requires knowledge of one or more foreign languages. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for someone in this role whose work involves German. While a foreign service officer must be well-versed in culture and politics, knowing German grammar is useful for interacting with native speakers. This course teaches German verb tenses, as well as how to use and translate modal verbs and infinitives to form coherent sentences. This course may help those just beginning to learn German.
Archivist
An archivist appraises, collects, and preserves historical documents and records. This "German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1" course may be helpful for archivists who handle German documents. While the work of an archivist focuses on preservation, some may need to translate and understand older documents. This course helps build a base understanding of German verb usage, which is important for anyone working with this language. It introduces the present, past, and future tenses, as well as the use of infinitives and modal verbs. This course may help those who need to read German language documents.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in German Grammar - Quick Guide - Verbs 1.
Hammer's German Grammar and Usage comprehensive guide to German grammar. It provides detailed explanations and examples of grammatical concepts, including verb conjugations, tenses, and sentence structures. valuable reference tool for understanding the nuances of German grammar and can be used to supplement the course material. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
The Collins German Dictionary comprehensive resource for German learners. It provides definitions, example sentences, and usage notes for a wide range of words and phrases. This dictionary useful reference tool for expanding your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of the German language. It is commonly used by students and professionals alike.

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