The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense in German

Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
Learn how to use The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense in German and many other tips and tricks with Wunderbla.
Test your German level for free today.

TEST YOUR GERMAN Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 7 million users

The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense

In the perfect tense we use the auxiliary verbs sein (to be) and haben (to have).

Tim ist nach Hannover gefahren.

Tim has gone to Hannover.

Wir haben gestern ein Bier getrunken.

We drank a beer yesterday (literally "have drunk").

We use the auxiliary verb sein (to be) for:

  • verbs that imply a change of location, such as fahren (to drive), gehen (to go), schwimmen (to swim), or ankommen (to arrive):

Magda ist gestern 3 Stunden geschwommen.

Magda swam for 3 hours yesterday (literally "has swum").

  • Verbs that imply a change of state, such as einschlafen (to go to sleep), aufwachen (to wake up), or schmelzen (to melt):

Sigi ist bei der Arbeit eingeschlafen.

Sigi has fallen asleep at work.

  • The verbs sein (to be), bleiben (to stay), werden (to become)

Er ist zu Hause geblieben.

He has stayed at home.

We use the auxiliary verb haben (to have) for all other verbs.

Wir haben letzte Woche 5 Kamele gesehen.

Last week we saw 5 camels (literally "have seen").

Ich habe gestern gearbeitet.

I worked yesterday (literally "have worked").

Habt ihr schon gegessen?

Have you eaten already?

Still facing difficulties with 'The auxiliary verbs sein and haben in the perfect tense'? Learn and enhance your German grammar through our online German course. Start with a free test and improve today!

TEST YOUR GERMAN

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online German lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my German. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Improve your German further and test Wunderbla, online German lessons.