i -> a -> u pattern

• verbs that follow this pattern:

  • binden (to tie) pp=+haben
  • finden (to find) pp=+haben
  • klingen (to sound, peal) pp=+haben
  • schwingen (to swing) pp=+haben
  • singen (to sing) pp=+haben
  • sinken (to sink) pp=+ sein
  • springen (to jump) pp=+sein
  • stinken (to stink) pp=+haben
  • trinken (to drink) pp=+haben
  • verschwinden (to disappear) pp=+sein
  • zwingen (to compel, force) pp=+haben
• [as an example]

  binden:

  • infinitive = BINDEN
  • 3rd pers. present = BINDET
  • 3rd pers. simple past = BAND
  • past part. = gebunden
• the rule here is:

  • the 'i' (from the 3rd pers. present) changes to an 'a' in the 3rd person simple past
  • the 'a' changes to a 'u' in the past participle