ie -> a -> o pattern

• verbs that follow this pattern:

  • befohlen ( to command, order) pp=+haben
  • empfehlen (to recommend) pp=+ haben
  • stehlen ( to steal) pp=+haben
• [as an example]

  befehlen:

  • infinitive = BEFEHLEN
  • 3rd pers. present = BEFIELT
  • 3rd pers. simple past = BEFAHL
  • past participle = BEFOHLEN
• the rule here is:

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