Stem-changing verbs e → i
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
essen, geben, helfen, nehmen change in du and er forms.
How it works
Some common verbs change the stem vowel e to i (or ie) in the du and er/sie/es forms, while the wir, ihr and sie forms keep the e. Examples include essen (du isst), geben (du gibst), helfen (du hilfst) and nehmen (du nimmst). Learning the du and er forms with the verb ensures you use them correctly.
When to use it
Use verbs like essen, geben, helfen, nehmen and sprechen, whose stem vowel changes in the du and er forms.
Use cases
- Talking about meals: Was isst du?
- Asking for help: Hilfst du mir?
- Describing what someone takes or gives: Er nimmt den Bus
Examples
- er isst – he eats
- du nimmst – you take
- Sie gibt dem Kind ein Buch. – She gives the child a book.
- Er sieht den Film im Kino. – He watches the film at the cinema.
- Wann nimmst du den Zug? – When are you taking the train?
Common mistake
Keeping the original vowel in du and er, so "du esst" is correct, while "du isst" is not.
Memory tip
Learn the du and er forms together with the infinitive: essen – du isst – er isst.