ie -> a -> e pattern

• verbs that follow this pattern:

  • geschlehen (to happen) pp=+sein
  • lesen (to read) pp=+haben
  • liegen (to be lying) pp=+sein
  • sehen (to see) pp=+ haben
• [as an example]

  geschehen:

  • infinitive = GESCHEHEN
  • 3rd pers. present = GESCHIEHT
  • 3rd pers. simple past = GESCHAH
  • past participle= GESCHEHEN
• the rule here is:

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