This version is written specifically for A1 beginners. The English is kept simple, short, and clear. To help with SEO and AdSense, I have used highly searchable keywords like German past tense, Perfekt, and Partizip 2, and formatted the rules into an easy-to-read table.
German Grammar for Beginners: What is Partizip II? (A1)
When you learn German, you quickly want to talk about the past. To do this, you need a special verb form called Partizip II (Participle II).
Think of it like the English words done, seen, or bought. It is the most important part of the Perfekt (German past tense).
How to Make Partizip II (The Easy Rules)
For most regular verbs at the A1 level, making the Partizip II is like a sandwich. You put ge- at the start of the verb and -t at the end.
| Base Verb (Infinitive) | The Formula | Partizip II | English Meaning |
| machen (to do/make) | ge + mach + t | gemacht | made / done |
| hören (to hear) | ge + hör + t | gehört | heard |
| lernen (to learn) | ge + lern + t | gelernt | learned |
Note: Some irregular verbs end in -en instead of -t. For example: sehen (to see) becomes gesehen (seen), and lesen (to read) becomes gelesen (read).
How to Use Partizip II in a Sentence
To talk about yesterday, you need two verbs. You use haben (to have) or sein (to be) in position 2, and you put your Partizip II at the very end of the sentence.
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English: I have learned German.
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German: Ich habe Deutsch gelernt.
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English: We have seen the movie.
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German: Wir haben den Film gesehen.
A1 Vocabulary List: Top Past Tense Verbs
Here are the most common verbs you need for your A1 exam:
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gelernt (learned)
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gemacht (made/done)
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gehört (heard)
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gelesen (read)
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gesehen (seen)
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gekauft (bought)
Summary for Beginners
Do not worry if some verbs look different. For now, remember the golden A1 rule: ge- at the front, -t or -en at the back, and send the word to the end of the sentence!