Abstract
1. The four major tenses of German constitute two separate sets. One set, the pres. and the perf., is used in conversation; and one set, the past and the pluperf., is used for storytelling. 2. To compensate for the scarcity of tenses, German has developed two separate sets of stretch-of-time phrases. The time phrases of one set, lange e.g., refer to periods which end either before or after the moment of speaking. Compare: Das dauert lange, meaning This will last a long time, and Es hat lange gedauert, meaning It lasted a long time. The phrases of the other set, schon lange e.g., denote a stretch of time which reaches right into the moment of speaking: Ich kenne ihn schon lange.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
