Nicht vergessen: Regeln sind Leitlinien – sie sind nur selten absolut.

Rules for the Simple Present Tense — Detailed Explanation

We use the simple present for things that are generally true, happen regularly, or describe a permanent situation.


1. General truths and facts

The sun rises in the east.
Water boils at 100°C.

Use the simple present for facts and things that are always or usually true.


2. Habits and routines

I brush my teeth every morning.
She takes the bus to work.

Use the simple present for actions that happen regularly, for example every day, every week, or as part of a routine.


3. Permanent situations or states

He lives in London.
They work in a bank.

Use the simple present for situations that are stable or long-term.


4. Instructions or directions

Open the door.
First, mix the flour and sugar.

Use the simple present when giving instructions, steps, or directions.


5. Feelings, emotions, and senses (with stative verbs)

I like chocolate.
She hears a noise.

Use the simple present with stative verbs such as like, love, hate, know, believe, hear, see, want, because these usually describe a state, not an action in progress.


6. With adverbs of frequency

I always exercise in the morning.
She never eats meat.

Use the simple present with adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, sometimes, never to show how often something happens.


Common Patterns

Subject + base verb
I work.
You play.
They live.

Subject + verb + s / es (he, she, it)
He works.
She plays.
It rains.

Common time expressions
every day
every morning
on Mondays
usually
often
always
never

Simple Present - Reason Identification

Choose the Reason this is Simple Present

Choose the Reason this is Simple Present

Choose why the sentence uses the simple present.
[Wähle, warum der Satz im Simple Present steht.]

Common reasons: general truth, habits and routines, permanent situation
[Häufige Gründe: allgemeine Tatsache, Gewohnheiten und Routinen, dauerhafte Situation]

Example: She usually gets up early.
[Beispiel: Sie steht normalerweise früh auf.]

Reason: Habits and routines
[Grund: Gewohnheiten und Routinen]

Correct = 0 | Incorrect = 0

1. He is tired. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

2. I have two cats. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

3. We do our homework. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

4. She often says hello. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) Permanent situation

5. They go to school every day. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

6. I can cook well. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

7. He usually gets up early. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

8. She often makes pancakes. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

9. We know the answer. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

10. I think it’s funny. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

11. He always takes the train. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

12. I see a bird in the tree. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

13. They usually come on time. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

14. She wants coffee in the morning. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

15. We always look outside when it’s sunny. ______
a) Permanent situation
b) Habits and routines

16. He uses a computer for work. ______
a) Permanent situation
b) Habits and routines

17. I find my keys easily. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

18. She gives good advice. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) Permanent situation

19. They tell jokes at lunch. ______
a) Permanent situation
b) Habits and routines

20. He works at night. ______
a) Permanent situation
b) Habits and routines

21. I call my friend on weekends. ______
a) Habits and routines
b) General truth

22. We try every day to improve. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

23. She often asks questions in class. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

24. I need help with this. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

25. They feel happy today. ______
a) General truth
b) Habits and routines

Correct = 0 | Incorrect = 0