📖 Grammar Encyclopedia

Verb Tenses Explained Simply

Master the difference between moods, aspects, and tenses without the overwhelming linguistic jargon.

Present (Presente / Présent / Präsens)

All Languages

Level A1

Describes ongoing actions happening right now, general truths, and habitual routines.

Example in context: Yo hablo español • Je parle français • Ich spreche Deutsch

Spanish

Level A2

Used for completed, one-time past events that occurred at a specific point in time with clear endpoints.

Example in context: Ayer comí paella (Yesterday I ate paella)

Spanish & French

Level A2 - B1

Sets the background scenery in the past: habitual actions, age, ongoing emotional states, and weather.

Example in context: Hacía frío cuando era niño (It was cold when I was a child)

Spanish, French & Italian

Level B1 - B2

Expresses subjective reality: wishes, emotions, doubts, requirements, and hypothetical situations.

Example in context: Espero que tengas un buen día (I hope you have a nice day)

All Languages

Level A2

Expresses promises, predictions, and upcoming events that will take place in the future.

Example in context: Mañana tendré los resultados (Tomorrow I will have the results)

French & German

Level A2

Compound past tense built using an auxiliary verb (avoir/être or haben/sein) + past participle.

Example in context: J'ai fini • Ich bin gegangen