When speaking German, the Perfect tense (Perfekt) is used frequently. However, many students often stumble over the rules of when to use “haben” and “sein.” By the end of this article—and with the help of a free worksheet—you will have no doubts about when to use these auxiliary verbs correctly.

Understanding the German Perfect Tense (Perfekt)

Unlike English, German has two auxiliary verbs, “haben” and “sein,” that are essential for forming sentences in the Perfect tense (Perfekt). For many learners, deciding which one to use may seem complicated, but the rules are simpler than they appear.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

1. A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

2. B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

3. German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

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When to use "sein" in the German Perfect Tense

There are three specific situations where the auxiliary verb “sein” is required in the German Perfect tense:

1. When using the verb “sein” itself in the Perfect tense:

   • Example: “Ich bin gewesen” – I have been.

2. For verbs that describe physical movement from one place to another:

   • Examples: fahren (to drive), schwimmen (to swim), fliegen (to fly), gehen (to go), laufen (to run).

3. For verbs that describe a change of state or those that typically cannot be used in the passive voice:

   • Examples: bleiben (to stay), aufwachen (to wake up), sterben (to die), werden (to become).

Remember: Use "sein" in the German Perfect Tense for movement, state changes, and when using "sein" itself.

When to use “haben” in German perfect tense

“Haben” is used in the following two cases:

1. When using the verb “haben” itself in the Perfect tense:

   • Example: “Ich habe gehabt” – I have had.

2. For all other verbs that do not meet the criteria for using “sein”:

   • If the verb does not involve physical movement, a change of state, or if it can be used in the passive voice, “haben” is the correct choice.

Remember: Use "haben" in the German Perfect Tense for all verbs that don't involve movement, state changes, or when using "haben" itself.

How to decide between "haben" and "sein" in the Perfect Tense

Now that you understand the rules, here’s a simple guideline: Check whether your verb meets the criteria for “sein” step by step. If it doesn’t, then “haben” is your go-to auxiliary verb. Let’s explore this with an example. 

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Example Sentence: "Ich mache Hausaufgaben." (I do homework.)

1. The verb “machen” is not “sein,” so it doesn’t fulfill the first criterion.

2. “Machen” doesn’t involve movement from one place to another, so it doesn’t fulfill the second criterion.

3. “Machen” can be used in the passive voice, meaning it doesn’t meet the third criterion.

Conclusion: The verb “machen” must be used with “haben” in the Perfect tense, making the correct sentence: “Ich habe Hausaufgaben gemacht.”

Is it "haben" or "sein"? Practice Makes Perfect!

Now that you understand when to use which auxiliary verb in the German Perfect tense, it’s time to practice your new skills. Download and complete the free worksheet: When to use “haben” and “sein” in Perfekt.

Bis bald!

Steffie

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