perfektparticipet

Perfektpartizip, commonly called Partizip II or Perfektpartizip, is the past participle form of a German verb used to form the Perfekt and other past tenses, and to function as an adjective or in passive constructions. In many grammars, it is referred to as Partizip II.

Formation: For regular verbs, the form is ge- + stem + -t (for example: arbeiten → gearbeitet; machen → gemacht). For irregular (strong) verbs, the participle often shows a stem vowel change and ends in -en (gehen → gegangen; sehen → gesehen). Mixed verbs combine a stem change with the -t ending (bringen → gebracht; denken → gedacht). The prefix ge- is common but not universal; it is not typically used with inseparable prefixes (verstehen → verstanden), and with separable prefixes the participle may attach the prefix to the stem (aufgestanden, eingekauft, mitgemacht).

Usage: In the Perfekt, the Partizip II is paired with an auxiliary verb, usually haben or sein (Ich habe gearbeitet; Er ist gelaufen). The choice of auxiliary depends on the verb’s meaning and class. Past participles can also function as adjectives, as in die geöffnete Tür or ein gebrochener Stuhl, where they take appropriate adjective endings. Some verbs have fixed or irregular forms that learners memorize, such as gegessen, geschrieben, geworden.

Notes: The Perfektpartizip is central to German past tenses used in everyday speech. It contrasts with the Partizip I (present participle, e.g., singend) and with other participial forms used in subordinate clauses or passive voice.

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