In German
lesen
Meaning: to read
Formal or informal? “Lesen” is the everyday verb for to read. For reading aloud, say “vorlesen”, which is separable.
Example sentences
Ich lese gern Bücher.
I like reading books.
Liest du die Zeitung?
Are you reading the newspaper?
Er liest jeden Abend im Bett.
He reads every evening in bed.
Grammar note
Present tense: ich lese, du liest, er liest, wir lesen. The stem vowel changes from e to i in the du and er forms, so “liest”, not “lest”.
Common mistake
Write “du liest”, with the vowel change, not “du lest”. “Lest” is the ihr form, which is for a group of you.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “he reads” (er)?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What does “vorlesen” mean?
To read aloud to someone, for example “Ich lese dir vor” (I read to you).
Why is it “liest” and not “lest” for du?
The e changes to i in the du and er forms. “Lest” is the ihr form.