The present participle (Partizip I) is formed with the present infinitive (active voice) and the ending -d.
| Examples |
| spielen-d |
| fahren-d |
| tanzen-d |
| sprechen-d |
| ändern-d |
Variable and invariable forms of the present participle (Partizip I)
When the present participle (Partizip I) is combined with a finite verb form, it remains invariable. Its subject is the subject of the finite verb.
| Example |
| Paul betrat lachend das Zimmer. |
It can take a number of arguments, required or free.
| Example |
| Paul betrat laut lachend das Zimmer. |
When the present participle (Partizip I) precedes a noun, it is variable. It functions as an adjective and is inflected according to the noun's gender, case and number. It can take a number of arguments, required or not.
| Example |
| Die laut lachenden Kinder betraten das Zimmer. |