German verbs are largely (with very few exceptions) composed of a stem followed by the ending of “-en”, “-eln”, or “-ern”. This can be seen in the following examples.
Examples
(1). Ess/en (to eat)
(1). Ess- is the stem, and -en is the ending
(2). Schumm/eln (to cheat, to swindle)
(2). Schlumm- is the stem, and -eln is the ending
(3). Kont/ern (to counter, to counter attack)
(3). Kont- is the stem, and -ern is the ending
The stem is critical to know in order to conjugate the verb.
What to Read Next
- The Overview of German Verb and Verb Tense
- German Modal Verbs: Können, Müssen, Wollen, Sollen, Dürfen, and Mögen
- The Most Three Common Auxiliary Verbs in German
- German Reflexive Verbs: List and How to Use Them
- German Separable and Inseparable Verbs
- German Verb Endings and Stems
- German Conjugation Verb: List, Chart, and How to Use It
- German Passive Voice: Processual, Statal, and Usage
- German Subjunctive and Conjugating Subjunctive
Or go back to our Learn German Language page for more learning resources.