In order to conjugate, you need to find the stem of the verb and then change it by adding something to it or changing some parts of the stem itself. The stem is derived from the infinitive form of the verb. In order to find the verb stem, you should remove the "en" from the end of the infinitive form of the verb.

It is very common for stems to get an ending in the process of conjugation. This happens a lot for the conjugation of regular/weak verbs in the present tense and the simple past.

The table below shows the standard endings for regular verbs in the present tense (Präsens):

The prefix ge- is a very common prefix that is used in order to make the past participle for some verbs. In order to make the past participle, first, you should find the stem by removing the –en from the infinitive form. Next, add ge- to the beginning of the stem and add -t to the end of it.

[ge- + verb stem + -t]

There are three main types of verbs. Each type has its own rules for conjugation.

These verbs are also known as regular verbs. They usually follow the same rules for conjugation.

For verbs with stems that end with –d, -t, or some complex consonant clusters such as, (-chn, -ffn, -gn, -tm, etc, …), there is a slight change needed for "du", "er/sie/es" and "ihr" form.

An "e" will be placed between the stem and the personal ending to make the pronunciation easier.

Some other verbs that follow this pattern:

In case the stem of a verb ends with -s, -ß, -x, or –z, the ending for the "du" form changes from - st to -t.

Some other verbs that follow this pattern:

Strong verbs don't exactly follow the same conjugation rules, and they tend to be a little different from regular verbs. They usually undergo vowel or consonant changes in their stem.

The number of verbs that are totally irregular in German is less than you might think. There are three auxiliary verbs in German and there is no specific rule for their conjugation:
- sein (to be)
- haben (to have)
- werden (to become)

There are two main groups for prefix verbs, and each group has its own rules for conjugation.

In these types of verbs, the prefix is separated from the verb and goes to the end of the clause.

Aufstehen: (to get up, to stand up)

In order to make the past participle, you need to put the "ge-" between the prefix and the stem of the verb.

[prefix + ge + verb stem + en]

aufgestanden = got up
(auf + ge + stand + en)

The prefix is always attached to the verb and doesn't go to the end. The most important rule is that no "ge" is added to the past participle of inseparable prefix verbs.

Besuchen: (to visit)