Introduction: Why Learn Common German Verbs?
Learning German starts with verbs — they’re the building blocks of every sentence. Whether you’re preparing for Goethe A1 or just started your language journey, mastering the most-used German verbs will help you speak faster, write better, and understand more clearly. 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF) 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF) 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF) 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF)
In this blog, you’ll find:
- 50+ essential German verbs
- English meaning + example sentences
- Present tense conjugation basics
- FREE PDF for revision
Let’s dive in!
- 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF)
What Are Verbs in German?
Verbs (Verben) are action words. In German, they change according to:
- Subject (ich, du, er/sie/es…)
- Tense (present, past, future)
- Formality (Sie vs. du)
Example:
Ich gehe zur Schule. (I go to school) Er geht zur Schule. (He goes to school)
Understanding conjugation is key — don’t worry, we’ll give you examples too. 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF)
50+ Must-Know German Verbs (with Meanings & Sentences)
| German Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| sein | to be | Ich bin müde. (I am tired.) |
| haben | to have | Du hast ein Buch. (You have a book.) |
| gehen | to go | Wir gehen ins Kino. (We are going to the cinema.) |
| kommen | to come | Er kommt aus Berlin. (He comes from Berlin.) |
| machen | to do/make | Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben. (I do my homework.) |
| lernen | to learn | Sie lernt Deutsch. (She is learning German.) |
| sprechen | to speak | Kannst du Deutsch sprechen? (Can you speak German?) |
| essen | to eat | Wir essen Pizza. (We are eating pizza.) |
| trinken | to drink | Ich trinke Wasser. (I drink water.) |
| schlafen | to sleep | Sie schläft früh. (She sleeps early.) |
| sehen | to see | Ich sehe einen Film. (I see a movie.) |
| hören | to hear | Hörst du Musik? (Are you listening to music?) |
| schreiben | to write | Er schreibt einen Brief. (He is writing a letter.) |
| lesen | to read | Ich lese gern. (I like to read.) |
| arbeiten | to work | Sie arbeitet in einer Firma. (She works in a company.) |
| fahren | to drive/go (by vehicle) | Ich fahre mit dem Bus. (I go by bus.) |
| bleiben | to stay | Bleibst du zu Hause? (Are you staying home?) |
| bringen | to bring | Ich bringe das Buch. (I bring the book.) |
| nehmen | to take | Nimmst du den Zug? (Are you taking the train?) |
| denken | to think | Ich denke, das ist gut. (I think that’s good.) |
Want the full list of 50+ verbs?
Download the full PDF here (Include downloadable link)
Tip: Start with Present Tense
Most beginner conversations happen in the present tense. Focus on these conjugations first:
| Pronoun | Verb “gehen” (to go) |
|---|---|
| ich | gehe |
| du | gehst |
| er/sie/es | geht |
| wir | gehen |
| ihr | geht |
| Sie/sie | gehen |
Regular vs. Irregular Verbs in German
- Regular Verbs: Follow a predictable pattern
(spielen → ich spiele, du spielst…) - Irregular Verbs: Stem changes occur
(sehen → ich sehe, du siehst…)
Learn to recognize these early, it’ll save you time.
50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF)
How to Remember German Verbs
Here are 5 easy tricks to remember them:
- Make Flashcards (Downloadable below)
- Use Verbs in Sentences (Practice daily!)
- Watch German YouTubers or Shorts
- Try a verb-focused app like Duolingo or DW Learn German
- Quiz yourself (Coming soon on our site!)
Download FREE PDF: 50+ German Verbs for Beginners
We’ve compiled the complete list in a neat printable PDF with:
- English + German meanings
- Usage examples
- Mini quiz at the end
Download PDF Here (No Login Needed)
Conclusion
Learning German verbs is your first real step toward fluency. Whether you’re building your vocab or improving your grammar, start with these common verbs and build from there. Print the list, use it daily, and you’ll see the results within weeks. 50+ Essential German Verbs Every Beginner MUST Know (With Examples + FREE PDF)
Ready to Master German Verbs?
Download the FREE PDF with all 50+ verbs, example sentences & practice tips!
Beginner-friendly Printable for daily revision No sign-up required!
Want More German Tips?
Explore our Beginner’s German Grammar Guide Or read: How to Learn German Fast in 2025
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