verb
to read
A1
To read. Common meaning: decode or interpret written text. Specialties: strong (irregular) verb with present stem change e→ie (du/er liest), simple past 'las', past participle 'gelesen'. Uses auxiliary haben for perfect tenses. Non‑reflexive; imperative irregular (du: 'lies!'). Often used transitively (ein Buch lesen).
Examples
Ich habe den Artikel gelesen.
I have read the article.
Ich lese ein Buch.
I am reading a book.
Er las die Zeitung.
He read the newspaper.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine eyes scanning lines like 'leaves' (lesen = leaf through a book)
sounds a bit like 'lessen' — when you 'read less' you still 'lesen'
Notes
Strong irregular verb (ich las — hat gelesen). Present tense has vowel change: du liest, er liest.