Coffee Break German
When to use the imperfect tense - Speaking about the past in German | CBG Show 2.03
Jun 12, 2024
Learn when to use imperfect tense in German to sound more like a native speaker when discussing the past. Explore the simplicity and commonality of using imperfect tense compared to perfect tense. Discover how modal verbs and specific verbs like 'mochten' and 'geben' play a role in past tense expressions in German.
13:06
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Quick takeaways
- Using preteritum with specific verbs like 'sein' and 'haben' enhances natural German speech.
- In idiomatic expressions, using preteritum like 'es gab' helps learners sound more like native speakers.
Deep dives
Using Preteritum in Spoken German
In spoken German, the use of the preteritum is discussed to sound more natural. Verbs like 'sein' and 'haben' are highlighted as commonly used in the preteritum. For instance, 'Gestern war sie im Museum' instead of 'Gestern ist sie ins Museum gegangen'. Modal verbs like 'wissen' and 'können' also follow this pattern, emphasizing the importance of using the preteritum in specific contexts.
