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Transitive vs. intransitive verbs Exercises in German language

Understanding the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial for mastering German sentence structure and achieving fluency. Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, answering the question "whom?" or "what?" For example, in the sentence "Ich sehe den Hund" (I see the dog), "sehe" is a transitive verb because it acts upon the direct object "den Hund." Conversely, intransitive verbs do not require a direct object to convey a complete thought. An example would be "Ich schlafe" (I sleep), where "schlafe" is an intransitive verb as it stands alone without needing an object. In addition to understanding these basic definitions, it is important to recognize how transitive and intransitive verbs interact with German grammar rules, such as the use of accusative and dative cases. Transitive verbs typically necessitate the accusative case for their direct objects, while intransitive verbs often work with prepositional phrases or remain self-contained. Through exercises and examples, this page will guide you in identifying and correctly using transitive and intransitive verbs in German, enhancing your grammatical accuracy and overall language proficiency.

Exercise 1

1. Er *liest* ein Buch (action involving a direct object). 2. Das Baby *schläft* friedlich (action with no direct object). 3. Sie *kauft* ein neues Auto (action involving a direct object). 4. Der Hund *bellt* laut (action with no direct object). 5. Wir *essen* Abendessen zusammen (action involving a direct object). 6. Der Vogel *fliegt* hoch am Himmel (action with no direct object). 7. Er *schreibt* einen Brief (action involving a direct object). 8. Sie *läuft* jeden Morgen im Park (action with no direct object). 9. Die Lehrerin *erklärt* die Grammatikregeln (action involving a direct object). 10. Der Wind *weht* stark (action with no direct object).

Exercise 2

1. Er hat das Buch *gelesen* (verb for reading). 2. Der Hund *bellt* laut (verb for making a sound). 3. Sie *sieht* den Film (verb for watching). 4. Wir *essen* Pizza zum Abendessen (verb for consuming food). 5. Das Baby *schläft* ruhig (verb for resting). 6. Der Lehrer *erklärt* die Grammatik (verb for explaining). 7. Ich *kaufe* ein neues Auto (verb for purchasing). 8. Die Sonne *scheint* am Himmel (verb for emitting light). 9. Er *schreibt* einen Brief (verb for writing). 10. Das Wasser *kocht* im Topf (verb for boiling).

Exercise 3

1. Er *isst* einen Apfel (verb for eating). 2. Sie *läuft* im Park (verb for running). 3. Wir *lesen* ein Buch (verb for reading). 4. Der Hund *springt* über den Zaun (verb for jumping). 5. Ihr *schreibt* einen Brief (verb for writing). 6. Die Katze *schläft* auf dem Sofa (verb for sleeping). 7. Ich *kaufe* ein neues Auto (verb for buying). 8. Der Lehrer *erklärt* die Aufgabe (verb for explaining). 9. Sie *tanzen* auf der Party (verb for dancing). 10. Der Junge *wirft* den Ball (verb for throwing).