The German progressive aspect is expressed using the phrase am + Verb-ing (Gerund). This construction focuses on the idea that an action is currently taking place. It is formed by using the preposition am (a contraction of an dem, meaning 'at the') followed by a verb in the present participle form with -en (Gerund).
Formation
- Start with am + [Verb stem + -en]
- The verb stem is the infinitive without -en.
- Place the entire phrase in the sentence to indicate ongoing action.
Example:
- Ich bin am Kochen. (I’m cooking.)
Usage
- Commonly used in spoken German and certain dialects.
- Emphasizes that the action is still in progress.
- More colloquial and regionally limited (e.g., common in northern and western Germany).
Meaning
- Focus on current activity rather than simple present.
- Similar to English “I’m cooking,” “I’m reading,” etc.
- Not a separate grammatical tense—just a construction to add nuance.
Example:
- Sie ist am Schreiben. (She is writing. — right now, ongoing)
Sie ist am Schreiben.
She is writing.
'am Schreiben' zeigt eine laufende Handlung an – gerade jetzt.
Limitations
- Only works with verbs that can be nominalized in -en form.
- Cannot be used for all verbs or in formal writing.
- Avoid using with modal verbs or in subordinate clauses.
am-Verb-ing Conjugation Table
| Person | German Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | Ich bin am Lesen. | I am reading. |
| Du | Du bist am Schreiben. | You are writing. |
| Er/sie/es | Er ist am Schlafen. | He is sleeping. |
| Wir | Wir sind am Spielen. | We are playing. |
| Ihr | Ihr seid am Lernen. | You all are learning. |
| Sie | Sie sind am Kochen. | They are cooking. |
Note: The pronoun and auxiliary verb sein (to be) agree in number and person, followed by am + verb-ing.
When to Use
Use the am-Verb-ing construction when you want to:
- Describe an action currently in progress.
- Emphasize that something is happening right now.
- Speak more colloquially, especially in certain German regions.
- Avoid more complex constructions like gerade, im Begriff sein, or subordinate clauses.
Comparison with Other German Constructions
| Aspect | German Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | Ich koche. | I cook. / I am cooking. |
| Mit *gerade | Ich koche gerade. | I am cooking (right now). |
| am-Verb-ing | Ich bin am Kochen. | I am cooking (progressive). |
| Im Begriff sein | Ich bin im Begriff zu kochen. | I am about to cook. |
Summary
- am + Verb-ing expresses ongoing action.
- Uses the auxiliary sein + am + verb-ing.
- Adds nuance beyond simple present tense.
- Common in informal, spoken German.
Complete the sentence for the pronoun 'Ihr': __ seid am Lernen. (lernen = to learn)
Ihr
Der Hilfsverb-Einsatz richtet sich nach dem Pronomen: Ihr -> seid.
Flashcards (1 of 10)
- Person: Ich
- English Example: I am reading.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
