Frequently Asked German Questions

'Haben' or 'Sein' with the Verb 'Wachsen' in German Past Tense?

Home > German Language > 'Haben' or 'Sein' with the Verb 'Wachsen' in German Past Tense?

For example, the sentence "Sie sind gestern sehr schnell gewachsen."

'Wachsen' indicates a change of state (to grow) which typically requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in past tenses. Hence, 'Sie sind gestern sehr schnell gewachsen' (They grew very quickly yesterday) is the correct sentence. 'Haben' could be used with 'wachsen' in certain dialects or colloquial usage, but is generally considered less standard. Mastering the appropriate usage of 'haben' and 'sein' enhances the precision of expressing states and actions in the German language.

Challenge me!

Related Challenges

Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Was ist Ihr Lieblingsrestaurant, in dem Sie gegessen ____?

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Ich ____ nach Hause gelaufen.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Ich ____ schon zum Bahnhof gefahren.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Meine Schwester ____ zum Supermarkt gegangen.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Das Kind ____ das ganze Eis aufgegessen.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Die Katze ____ den ganzen Tag geschlafen.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Ich ____ einen Kuchen gebacken.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Die Kinder ____ im Park gespielt.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Mein Bruder ____ gestern schwimmen gegangen.

View Full Challenge
Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Der Hund ____ im Garten gespielt.

View Full Challenge

Track your progress, get daily alerts!

Simply provide your email address to keep track of your answers, and optionally receive daily alerts for new challenges.