verb
to give
A1
geben means 'to give'. It’s a strong (irregular) verb with stem change e→i in present (du gibst, er gibt), preterite gab and participle gegeben. Uses auxiliary haben. Non‑reflexive; imperative forms gib, geben, gebt. Commonly takes a direct and indirect object (jemandem etwas geben).
Examples
Sie gab ihm die Hand.
She shook his hand.
Kannst du mir das Buch geben?
Can you give me the book?
Ich habe dir mein Wort gegeben.
I gave you my word.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone giving a present and saying 'geben'.
Sounds like 'gabe-in' — imagine handing over a 'gift' to 'Gabe'.
Notes
Irregular in present (du gibst) and preterite (gab); perfect uses 'gegeben' with haben.