Basic Verbs

1. gehen

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   "Gehen" is to go on foot; by vehicle it is "fahren", by plane "fliegen"

2. kommen

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Infinitive; ich komme / Sie kommen

3. essen

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: ich esse / du isst / er isst

4. trinken

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Regular: ich trinke / Sie trinken

5. kaufen

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Regular verb; going shopping is "einkaufen"

6. sehen

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: ich sehe / du siehst. To look at deliberately is "anschauen"

7. warten

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   Regular verb; "to wait for" is "warten auf" plus the accusative

8. Ich möchte gehen

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   "Möchte" is the polite "would like"; add a destination with "zu" or "nach"

9. Ich möchte essen

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Ich möchte das

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "das" means "this"

11. Ich brauche das nicht

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

    Grammar Note

    The negative of "brauchen"; "nicht" goes at the end

12. Ich suche

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Ich suche den Bahnhof"

13. Ich habe das

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Ich habe das nicht

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Ich möchte Geld abheben

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    "Abheben" is a separable verb: "Ich hebe Geld ab"

16. Ich möchte reservieren

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Können Sie mir helfen?

    Could you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    "Helfen" governs the dative, hence "mir"

18. Sagen Sie mir bitte

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    The "Sie" imperative; "bitte" softens it

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