lernte

Lernte is the simple past tense (Präteritum) form of the German verb lernen, meaning to learn or to study. It is used to describe actions that were completed in the past, particularly in written narrative. For example: Er lernte Deutsch im Kurs. The past tense corresponds to the English "learned" or "was learning," depending on the context.

Conjugation in the Präteritum is: ich lernte, du lerntest, er/sie/es lernte, wir lernten, ihr lerntet, sie lernten. The related perfect tense is formed with haben and gelernt: ich habe gelernt, du hast gelernt, er hat gelernt, etc.

Etymology and related forms: The verb lernen originates from Old High German lêrn and is cognate with Dutch leren and English learn. Over time, lernen acquired meanings related to acquiring knowledge and skills through study or practice. The form lerne is related but serves a different mood or person (for example, the present imperative Lerne!).

Usage notes: In modern German, Präteritum is common in formal writing and literature, while in everyday speech Perfekt is more commonly used for past events. Lernte specifically appears in narrative past contexts. It should not be confused with lehr- forms such as lehren (to teach). Example sentences: Er lernte Deutsch im Kurs. Wir lernten viel in der Schule.