This lesson is an introductory lesson to the topics Perfekt / Present Perfect and Präteritum / Simple Past. If you are like most German language learners, you have probably come across the following dilemma when it comes to verbs in the past tense in German: When should I use the Present Perfect and when should I use the Simple Past? What is the difference between them?

Step 1
You need to be able to recognise first the verbs in the Present Perfect and in the Simple Past, how they are formed. Watch this video to familiarise yourself with the 2 past tenses in German.  The Simple past is actually called “simple” because it is a one-word tense (hatte / had, ging / went, sprach / spoke, machte / made) and is not a compound tense like the present perfect (hat ….. gehabt / has ….. had, ist ….. gegangen / have ….. gone, habe ….. gesprochen / have ….. spoken, haben …… gemacht / have ….. made). (Listening)

Step 2
Now watch this simple presentation to understand when to use the Present Perfect and the Simple Past in German. It is very important that you understand the difference between these tenses, when they are used. You may take notes, whilst listening.  (Listening)

Step 3
Read and study the note (refer to Resources): Perfekt oder Präteritum / Present Perfect or Simple Past. It further explains important information related to when to use these tenses. Then you will be ready to start the revision lessons on the Present Perfect and the Simple Past in German which you can find on Teleskola.mt.  (Reading)