🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is the German Verb 'sein' in Present Tense?

The verb 'sein' (to be) is one of the most fundamental verbs in German, used to describe states, identities, and locations. In the present tense, 'sein' has an irregular conjugation pattern that must be memorized.

Short answer

The German verb 'sein' (to be) in present tense conjugates irregularly: ich bin (I am), du bist (you are), er/sie/es ist (he/she/it is), wir sind (we are), ihr seid (you are plural), sie sind (they are).

'Sein' Present Tense Conjugation

x: Personal Pronoun · y: Frequency (usage rate)

Step-by-step worked examples

Conjugate 'sein' for 'ich': 'Ich ___ Lehrer' (I am a teacher).

First-person singular nominative requires the 'ich' form of 'sein'.
The conjugation for 'ich' is 'bin'.
Answer: Ich bin Lehrer.

Complete: 'Wir ___ Freunde' (We are friends).

First-person plural nominative requires the 'wir' form of 'sein'.
The conjugation for 'wir' is 'sind'.
Answer: Wir sind Freunde.

Fill in: 'Ihr ___ jung' (You plural are young).

Second-person plural nominative requires the 'ihr' form of 'sein'.
The conjugation for 'ihr' is 'seid'.
Answer: Ihr seid jung.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Conjugate 'sein' for 'ich': 'Ich ___ Student.'

Correct answer: C. First-person singular of 'sein' is 'ich bin'.

Q2.What is the 'wir' (we) form of 'sein'?

Correct answer: C. First-person plural: 'wir sind'.

Q3.Conjugate 'sein' for 'ihr' (you plural): 'Ihr ___ groß.'

Correct answer: D. Second-person plural of 'sein' is 'ihr seid'.

Q4.Which conjugation matches 'er', 'sie', and 'es'?

Correct answer: C. Third-person singular for all three pronouns: 'ist'.

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Common mistakes

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Confusing 'bist' and 'seid'. — Correct: 'Du bist' = you singular are; 'ihr seid' = you plural are.

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Using 'bin' for all forms. — Correct: 'Sein' has six different conjugations—one for each pronoun or pronoun group.

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Thinking 'sie' and 'Sie' have different conjugations. — Correct: Both use 'sind' (lowercase 'sie' = they; uppercase 'Sie' = formal you).

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Not recognizing 'ist' for third-person singular. — Correct: All third-person singular pronouns (er, sie, es) use 'ist'.

FAQ

What is the most important verb in German?

'Sein' (to be) is one of the most frequently used verbs. It's essential for describing identity, state, and location.

How many conjugations does 'sein' have?

In present tense, 'sein' has six forms: bin, bist, ist (twice), sind, and seid.

Is 'sein' irregular?

Yes, 'sein' is highly irregular—its stem changes completely (bin, bist, ist, sind, seid). You must memorize these forms.

How do I remember the conjugations?

Practice through use and repetition. Group them: singular (bin, bist, ist), plural (sind, seid, sind). Recognition becomes automatic.