Meaning of Laufen
The German verb laufen primarily means to run or to walk, depending on the context. It is a common verb used in everyday speech. Unlike English, where "run" and "walk" are clearly distinct verbs, laufen can cover both actions, with nuance given by additional context or adverbs.
Usage in Sentences
You can use laufen when describing movement on foot. For example, "Ich laufe jeden Morgen im Park" means "I run every morning in the park." When emphasizing the act of walking, context or phrases like "langsam laufen" (walk slowly) help clarify the meaning.
Irregular Conjugation
Laufen is an irregular verb, and its stem changes in some forms, especially in the second and third person singular present tense. This feature is important to master for correct conversation and writing.
Present Tense Conjugation Table
| German Pronoun | German Conjugation | English Conjugation | German Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ich | laufe | I run / I walk | Ich laufe jeden Tag. | I run every day. |
| du | läufst | you run / you walk | Du läufst sehr schnell. | You run very fast. |
| er/sie/es | läuft | he/she/it runs/walks | Er läuft zur Schule. | He runs to school. |
| wir | laufen | we run / we walk | Wir laufen zusammen. | We run together. |
| ihr | lauft | you (plural) run | Ihr lauft im Park. | You (plural) run in the park. |
| sie/Sie | laufen | they / you (formal) | Sie laufen jeden Abend. | They run every evening. |
Past Tense and Other Forms
The past participle of laufen is gelaufen. It forms the present perfect with the auxiliary verb sein (to be), reflecting movement or change of state.
Example: "Ich bin gestern fünf Kilometer gelaufen." – "I ran five kilometers yesterday."
Summary
Understanding laufen helps in describing physical activity involving movement on foot in German. Its irregular conjugation and use with sein in perfect tenses are key features to remember.
