Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous
Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous – Clear Explanation
Core idea
Present Perfect = result / finished action with present importance
(Present Perfect = Ergebnis / abgeschlossene Handlung mit Bedeutung für die Gegenwart)
Present Perfect Continuous = duration / action continuing until now
(Present Perfect Continuous = Dauer / Handlung dauert bis jetzt an)
1) Present Perfect = Result Now
We use the present perfect when:
- an action happened in the past
- the result is important now
- we focus on the result, not the duration
Examples
I have cleaned the kitchen.
(Ich habe die Küche geputzt.)
→ The kitchen is clean now.
She has finished her homework.
(Sie hat ihre Hausaufgaben fertig gemacht.)
→ Homework is finished now.
2) Present Perfect Continuous = Duration Until Now
We use the present perfect continuous when:
- an action started in the past
- it is still happening or just stopped
- we focus on how long the action lasted
Examples
I have been cleaning the kitchen for two hours.
(Ich putze seit zwei Stunden die Küche.)
→ Focus on duration.
She has been studying all morning.
(Sie lernt den ganzen Morgen.)
→ Action still continuing.
Key Contrast
Present Perfect = Result
I have read the book.
(Ich habe das Buch gelesen.)
Present Perfect Continuous = Duration
I have been reading the book for two hours.
(Ich lese seit zwei Stunden das Buch.)
Quick Rule Summary
| Use | Present Perfect | Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on result | ✅ | ❌ |
| Focus on duration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Finished action now relevant | ✅ | ❌ |
| Action continuing until now | ❌ | ✅ |
Super-Compact Memory Trick
Present Perfect = result now
(Present Perfect = Ergebnis jetzt)
Present Perfect Continuous = activity until now
(Present Perfect Continuous = Handlung bis jetzt)