Partizip I (Present Participle)

The Partizip I is formed by adding -d to the infinitive form of the verb. It describes something that is currently happening and can function like an adjective.

1. Formation

Verb: spielen → spielend (playing)

Verb: lachen → lachend (laughing)

Verb: schlafen → schlafend (sleeping)

2. Usage

Partizip I is mostly used:

As an adjective
In participle constructions

As Adjective

Das lachende Kind spielt im Garten.
→ The laughing child is playing in the garden.

Die arbeitenden Leute sind müde.
→ The working people are tired.

In Constructions

Lachend kam sie ins Zimmer.
→ Laughing, she entered the room.

Singend geht er nach Hause.
→ Singing, he goes home.

3. More Examples

Verb	Partizip I	Sentence
lesen	lesend	Der lesende Mann sitzt im Café. → The reading man is sitting in the café.
kochen	kochend	Die kochende Suppe riecht gut. → The cooking soup smells good.
schreiben	schreibend	Ein schreibender Student sitzt am Tisch. → A writing student is sitting at the table.

💡 Tip: Unlike Partizip II, the Partizip I does not change with tense — it always refers to something happening at the same time.

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