I. Theory
Strong verbs are irregular German verbs and thus, the past tense forms of strong verbs are formed differently than other “weak” verbs. Strong verbs undergo a vowel change (ei>ie , e>o, etc.) in their preterite forms. Additionally, strong verbs do not take a -te ending in the first and third person singular like weak verbs.| Die Kinder halfen ihrer Mutter beim Kochen. (helfen: e>a) The children helped their mother cook. Der Kapitän *blieb auf dem Schiff. (bleiben: ei>ie) The captain remained on the ship. (*) Note the lack of the -te third-person singular ending. |