gefallen
to like / to please
An irregular verb with a→ä stem change. Works like Spanish 'gustar' — the THING is the subject! 'Das Buch gefällt mir' (The book pleases me = I like the book). Takes Dativ.
Conjugation
Present Tense (Präsens)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | gefalle |
| du | gefällst |
| er/sie/es | gefällt |
| wir | gefallen |
| ihr | gefallt |
| sie/Sie | gefallen |
Simple Past (Präteritum)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | gefiel |
| du | gefielst |
| er/sie/es | gefiel |
| wir | gefielen |
| ihr | gefielt |
| sie/Sie | gefielen |
Perfect (Perfekt)
| Auxiliary | Partizip II |
|---|---|
| haben | gefallen |
z.B.: Ich habe gefallen
Imperative (Imperativ)
| du | ihr | Sie |
|---|---|---|
| gefall(e) | gefallt | gefallen Sie |
Example Sentences
Wie gefällt dir die neue Wohnung?
How do you like the new apartment?
Der Film hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
I really liked the movie.
Usage Tips
Subject is the THING liked, not the person! 'Das Kleid gefällt MIR' (not 'Ich gefalle das Kleid'). Plural: 'Die Schuhe gefallen mir'.
Common Mistakes
Wrong structure: 'Ich gefalle das Buch'
Related Verbs
Related Grammar
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