Getan

Getan is the past participle of the German verb tun. It is used with the auxiliary haben to form perfect tenses, indicating a completed action. For example, Ich habe es getan means “I have done it.” The simple past of tun is tat, while the past participle remains getan in all persons.

Etymology and form: getan is formed with the prefix ge- added to the stem of the irregular verb tun. This past participle is one of several German verbs that adopt the ge- prefix to create the perfect tense. Unlike some other verbs, getan is not typically used with sein to form perfect tenses.

Usage and meaning: In ordinary speech, getan often conveys a sense of completion or accomplishment. It can function as a participial adjective in certain fixed expressions, most notably in Es ist getan, meaning “it is done.” More descriptive or precise options—such as gemacht (done/made)—are common when a speaker wants a more neutral or flexible term.

Examples:

- Ich habe es getan. (I have done it.)

- Es ist getan. (It is done.)

- Er hat seine Arbeit getan. (He has done his work.)

Notes: While getan is widely understood, many speakers prefer gemerkt, gemacht, or erledigt for everyday uses, depending on nuance. As a past participle, getan does not inflect for gender or number when used with haben in compound tenses, but its role may shift if it is used adjectivally in other constructions.