This key facts covers Key facts within The perfect tense with sein (movement and change) for GCSE German. Revise The perfect tense with sein (movement and change) in Time Markers and the Three Time Frames for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key facts
- sein + participle = perfect of motion / change verbs
- gegangen, gefahren, gekommen, geflogen = common sein participles
- Exceptions: gewesen (sein), geblieben (bleiben)
- Ask "does the subject move or change?" → if yes, use sein
- The participle always goes at the END (Satzklammer)
Practice questions for The perfect tense with sein (movement and change)
Which helper verb does 'gehen' (to go) use in the perfect tense?
Why does 'fahren' (to travel / drive) use 'sein' in the perfect tense?
Quick recall flashcards
gewesen
been (sein -> sein). EXCEPTION: no motion, but takes sein. Ich bin in Spanien gewesen. = I have been to Spain.
gegangen
gone / went (gehen, motion -> sein). Wir sind ins Kino gegangen.