The terms “imperfect” and “perfect” in grammatical tenses refer to specific aspects of actions in terms of their time frames and completeness, and these terms can be somewhat confusing because they don’t align with the everyday meanings of “perfect” and “imperfect.”

Imperfect (Präteritum)

1. Meaning in Grammar

In German, the “imperfect” tense, known as Präteritum, is primarily used in written language to describe past events, particularly in narratives. It corresponds to both the simple past and the imperfect in English.

2. Etymology and Usage

The term “imperfect” comes from Latin, where it means “not completed.” It refers to an action that was ongoing or repeated in the past. This meaning carries into English and German grammar but focuses more on the narrative style of recounting past events without specifying whether the action was completed. In German, it is used less frequently in spoken language and more in writing, as it gives a formal, literary quality to the text.

Perfect Tense

1. Meaning in Grammar

The perfect tense in German (Perfekt) is used to describe actions that were completed in the past but are relevant to the present. It is the most common way to convey past events in spoken German.

2. Etymology and Usage

The term “perfect” in grammatical usage is derived from Latin “perfectus,” which means “complete.” The perfect tense is used to indicate that an action in the past has been completed, and its effects or results may still be relevant at the present time. This is why it’s called “perfect” – it signifies that the action is fully complete or “perfected.”

Why These Terms?

• The usage of “perfect” and “imperfect” in grammar does not relate directly to their everyday meanings. In everyday language, “perfect” suggests something flawless or ideal, while “imperfect” suggests something incomplete or flawed. In grammatical terms, however, “perfect” relates to the completion of an action, and “imperfect” to the ongoing nature of an action in the past.

Summary

• Imperfect (Präteritum) is used for describing past actions typically in a narrative, literary context.
• Perfect (Perfekt) is used for indicating actions that were completed in the past but have a connection to the present, commonly used in spoken German.

These terms help to categorize and teach the various ways different languages express time and aspect in verb tenses, even though they might seem counterintuitive based on their names alone.