At the A1 level, you learn 'rennen' as a basic verb of movement. You should focus on the present tense (ich renne, du rennst) and the simple idea of moving fast. It is often used with 'schnell' (fast). You use it to describe children playing or yourself being in a hurry. You should also learn that it uses 'sein' in the perfect tense, even if you only use simple sentences like 'Ich bin gerannt'. The goal is to distinguish it from 'gehen' (to walk).
At A2, you start using 'rennen' in the past tense (Präteritum: rannte) and more complex sentences. You learn to use it with directional prepositions like 'nach Hause' or 'zum Bahnhof'. You also begin to see it in common phrases like 'um die Wette rennen' (to race). You should be comfortable conjugating it across different subjects and understanding that it describes a physical action that is more intense than 'laufen'.
By B1, you should understand the 'mixed verb' status of 'rennen' and use it naturally in stories. You will encounter separable prefix versions like 'wegrennen' (to run away) or 'herumrennen' (to run around). You also start to use the noun 'das Rennen' (the race) and understand figurative meanings, such as 'die Zeit rennt'. You can describe situations where you were under pressure or in a rush using this verb.
At the B2 level, you use 'rennen' in more idiomatic ways. You might use 'jemandem die Bude einrennen' (to beat a path to someone's door) or 'gegen eine Wand rennen' (to hit a brick wall/run into a wall). Your understanding of the nuances between 'rennen', 'stürmen', 'eilen', and 'hasten' becomes more refined. You can use 'rennen' to describe market trends or fast-paced environments in a professional context.
At C1, you use 'rennen' and its derivatives (like 'überrennen' - to overrun) with precision. You understand the stylistic choice of using 'rennen' to create a sense of frantic energy in writing. You are familiar with complex idioms like 'offene Türen einrennen' (to preach to the converted). You can discuss the etymology or the subtle difference in regional usage between 'laufen' and 'rennen' in various German-speaking countries.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'rennen'. You can use it in literary contexts, irony, and highly specific technical or metaphorical scenarios. You understand the historical development of the word from Old High German 'rinnan'. You can use the verb to describe abstract concepts like 'ins Verderben rennen' (to run to one's ruin) and can switch between registers effortlessly, using colloquialisms like 'Rennerei' (constant running around/hassle) in appropriate settings.

rennen em 30 segundos

  • Rennen is a German verb meaning 'to run' at high speed, distinguished from the more general 'laufen'.
  • It is a mixed verb, changing its stem vowel to 'a' in the past tense (rannte) and using 'sein' as an auxiliary.
  • Commonly used in contexts of urgency, sports, or racing, as well as figurative expressions about time.
  • Essential for A1 learners to describe fast movement and distinguish between walking and sprinting.

The German verb rennen is a fundamental action word that every beginner learns, yet it carries nuances that persist into advanced levels. At its core, it describes the physical act of running. However, unlike the English 'run', which can be used for engines or noses, 'rennen' is primarily about physical speed.

Physical Motion
To move your legs quickly so that for a moment both feet are off the ground. This is the literal definition used in sports and daily life.

Die Kinder rennen über die Wiese.

Urgency and Stress
It often implies that someone is in a rush. If you are 'am Rennen', you are likely late for an appointment or a train.

Ich muss rennen, sonst verpasse ich den Bus!

Competitive Context
In the context of racing (car racing, horse racing), the noun 'das Rennen' is used, and the verb describes the action of competing at speed.

Die Autos rennen im Kreis.

Bist du gestern zum Bahnhof gerannt?

Er rannte so schnell er konnte.

Using rennen correctly requires understanding its conjugation and its relationship with prepositions. As a 'mixed verb', it doesn't follow the standard weak or strong patterns perfectly.

Conjugation Patterns
Present: ich renne, du rennst, er rennt. Preterite: ich rannte. Perfect: ich bin gerannt. The 'a' in the past tense is the key change to remember.

Wir rennen jeden Morgen im Park.

Directional Prepositions
Since 'rennen' implies movement from A to B, it often pairs with 'zu' (to), 'nach' (to/towards), or 'in' (into). Remember that these prepositions will trigger the accusative case when showing movement into a space.

Sie rennt in das Haus.

Warum bist du so schnell weggerannt?

Figurative Usage
While mostly literal, it can be used for things moving fast, like time or a heart beating. 'Die Zeit rennt' (Time is flying) is a very common expression.

Mein Herz rennt vor Aufregung.

Die Zeit rennt uns davon.

You will encounter rennen in a variety of everyday situations, from sports broadcasts to casual conversations about being late.

At the Train Station
You'll often see people shouting to their friends: 'Renn! Der Zug fährt gleich ab!' (Run! The train is about to leave!).

Wir müssen rennen, um den Anschluss zu bekommen.

In Sports
Commentators use it during football matches or track events. 'Er rennt die Linie entlang' (He runs along the line).

Der Stürmer rennt auf das Tor zu.

In the Office
Metaphorically, it's used for being busy. 'Ich renne den ganzen Tag von einem Meeting zum nächsten' (I'm running from one meeting to the next all day).

Ich bin nur noch am Rennen.

Learners often struggle with the specific grammar and the distinction between 'rennen' and similar verbs like 'laufen'.

The Auxiliary Verb
Mistake: 'Ich habe gerannt'. Correct: 'Ich bin gerannt'. Because it is a verb of movement from one place to another, 'sein' is mandatory.

Er ist schnell nach Hause gerannt.

Confusing with 'Laufen'
In many English contexts, 'run' and 'walk' are distinct. In German, 'laufen' can mean both 'to walk' and 'to run'. However, 'rennen' is never just walking; it is always fast.

Ich laufe gerne (I like walking/running), aber heute renne ich (I am sprinting).

Preterite Vowel Change
Mistake: 'Ich rennte'. Correct: 'Ich rannte'. It is a mixed verb, so the stem vowel changes from 'e' to 'a'.

Gestern rannte er den ganzen Weg.

German has several verbs for movement. Understanding the difference between them is key to sounding natural.

Rennen vs. Laufen
'Laufen' is the general term for moving on feet. 'Rennen' is specifically fast. If you say 'Ich laufe zur Arbeit', you might be walking. If you say 'Ich renne zur Arbeit', you are definitely late.

Laufen = General/Walk/Jog | Rennen = Sprint/Fast.

Rennen vs. Sprinten
'Sprinten' is a loanword from English and is used almost exclusively in a sporting context. 'Rennen' is more common in everyday life.

Ich eile (Formal) vs. Ich renne (Casual/Physical).

Flitzen
A colloquial word meaning to dash or zip. It implies a very quick, short movement, often by something small like a mouse or a child.

Die Maus flitzt unter den Schrank.

How Formal Is It?

Guia de pronúncia

Rima com
pennen brennen nennen

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Verbs of movement use 'sein'

Mixed verb conjugation patterns

Two-way prepositions with movement (Accusative)

Separable prefix rules

Noun capitalization (das Rennen)

Exemplos por nível

1

Ich renne zum Bus.

I am running to the bus.

Present tense, first person.

2

Du rennst sehr schnell.

You run very fast.

Present tense, second person.

3

Die Kinder rennen im Garten.

The children are running in the garden.

Plural subject.

4

Wir rennen nach Hause.

We are running home.

Directional movement.

5

Rennt er?

Is he running?

Question form.

6

Ich renne nicht.

I am not running.

Negation with 'nicht'.

7

Warum rennst du?

Why are you running?

Interrogative with 'warum'.

8

Sie rennen zusammen.

They are running together.

Adverb 'zusammen'.

1

Gestern bin ich zum Bahnhof gerannt.

Yesterday I ran to the station.

Perfect tense with 'sein'.

2

Er rannte so schnell er konnte.

He ran as fast as he could.

Preterite tense.

3

Wir sind um die Wette gerannt.

We raced each other.

Idiom: um die Wette rennen.

4

Bist du nach Hause gerannt?

Did you run home?

Perfect tense question.

5

Sie rannte weg, als sie den Hund sah.

She ran away when she saw the dog.

Separable verb 'wegrennen' in preterite.

6

Ich bin den ganzen Weg gerannt.

I ran the whole way.

Accusative of duration/distance.

7

Warum seid ihr gerannt?

Why did you (plural) run?

Perfect tense, plural 'ihr'.

8

Er ist in die Schule gerannt.

He ran into the school.

Preposition 'in' + Accusative.

1

Die Zeit rennt uns davon.

Time is running away from us.

Figurative use.

2

Ich musste rennen, um pünktlich zu sein.

I had to run to be on time.

Modal verb 'müssen' in preterite.

3

Er ist völlig außer Atem, weil er gerannt ist.

He is completely out of breath because he ran.

Subordinate clause with 'weil'.

4

Wir rannten durch den Regen.

We ran through the rain.

Preposition 'durch' + Accusative.

5

Sie ist vor der Polizei weggerannt.

She ran away from the police.

Separable verb 'wegrennen' in perfect.

6

Hör auf, im Haus herumzurennen!

Stop running around in the house!

Infinitiv mit 'zu' and 'herumrennen'.

7

Ich bin gerannt, als gäbe es kein Morgen.

I ran as if there were no tomorrow.

Konjunktiv II in a comparison.

8

Das Rennen war sehr anstrengend.

The race was very exhausting.

Noun 'das Rennen'.

1

Die Kunden rennen uns die Bude ein.

Customers are beating down our door.

Idiom: die Bude einrennen.

2

Er rennt immer wieder gegen eine Wand.

He keeps hitting a brick wall.

Metaphorical use.

3

Ich bin den ganzen Tag nur am Rennen.

I've been running around all day.

Am-Progressive (colloquial).

4

Sie rannte blindlings in ihr Unglück.

She ran blindly into her misfortune.

Adverb 'blindlings'.

5

Die Entwicklung rennt dem Gesetz davon.

Development is outstripping the law.

Abstract subject.

6

Er ist um sein Leben gerannt.

He ran for his life.

Prepositional phrase 'um sein Leben'.

7

Wir sollten nicht jedem Trend hinterherrennen.

We shouldn't chase after every trend.

Verb 'hinterherrennen'.

8

Das Geschäft rennt momentan hervorragend.

The business is running excellently at the moment.

Colloquial use for 'running well'.

1

Mit diesem Vorschlag rennst du bei mir offene Türen ein.

With this proposal, you are preaching to the converted.

Idiom: offene Türen einrennen.

2

Die Demonstranten rannten das Tor nieder.

The protesters ran down the gate.

Verb 'niederrennen'.

3

Es ist eine ewige Rennerei mit den Behörden.

It's a constant running around with the authorities.

Noun 'Rennerei' (pejorative).

4

Er rannte sich die Seele aus dem Leib.

He ran his heart out.

Reflexive idiom.

5

Die Zeit rannte ihm förmlich unter den Fingern weg.

Time literally slipped through his fingers.

Metaphorical/Literary.

6

Sie überrannten die gegnerische Verteidigung.

They overran the opponent's defense.

Inseparable verb 'überrennen'.

7

Man sollte nicht sehenden Auges ins Verderben rennen.

One shouldn't run into ruin with one's eyes open.

Participial construction.

8

Das Projekt rennt Gefahr, zu scheitern.

The project runs the risk of failing.

Collocation: Gefahr rennen (less common than 'laufen').

1

Die archaische Wucht, mit der er rannte, beeindruckte alle.

The archaic force with which he ran impressed everyone.

Elevated vocabulary.

2

In seinem Wahn rannte er gegen Windmühlen an.

In his delusion, he tilted at windmills.

Literary allusion 'anrennen gegen'.

3

Die Globalisierung überrennt lokale Traditionen.

Globalization overruns local traditions.

Abstract metaphorical use.

4

Ein unbändiger Wille rannte in seinen Adern.

An irrepressible will ran through his veins.

Poetic usage.

5

Er rannte sich fest in seinen eigenen Argumenten.

He got stuck in his own arguments.

Reflexive 'sich festrennen'.

6

Die Meute rannte kläffend hinter dem Wild her.

The pack ran yelping after the game.

Descriptive participle.

7

Es ist, als würde man gegen den Strom rennen.

It's like running against the current.

Konjunktiv II comparison.

8

Sein Name rannte wie ein Lauffeuer durch die Stadt.

His name spread like wildfire through the city.

Idiom: wie ein Lauffeuer (related to running).

Colocações comuns

schnell rennen
um die Wette rennen
nach Hause rennen
zum Bus rennen
wegrennen
hinterherrennen
die Zeit rennt
das Herz rennt
Gefahr rennen
blindlings rennen

Frequentemente confundido com

rennen vs laufen

rennen vs rinnen

rennen vs nennen

Fácil de confundir

rennen vs

rennen vs

rennen vs

rennen vs

rennen vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

regional

Southern German speakers use 'laufen' more broadly.

distinction

Always use 'rennen' for speed, 'laufen' for general movement.

Erros comuns
  • Ich habe gerannt.

    Movement verbs use 'sein'.

  • Ich rennte gestern.

    It's a mixed verb with a vowel change.

  • Ich renne zum Arbeit.

    'Arbeit' is feminine; 'zu' + 'der' = 'zur'.

  • Er rennt langsam.

    'Rennen' implies speed; you can't really run slowly in a literal sense.

  • Die Nase rennt.

    For a runny nose, German uses 'laufen', not 'rennen'.

Dicas

Auxiliary Verb

Always use 'sein' with 'rennen'. It's a classic mistake to use 'haben' because 'run' in English doesn't change auxiliary. Remember: movement = sein.

Speed Matters

If you want to sound more descriptive, use 'rennen' for anything faster than a jog. It adds a sense of drama or urgency to your speaking.

The Short E

The 'e' in 'rennen' is short and open, like the 'e' in 'bed'. Make sure not to stretch it out, or it might sound like another word.

Open Doors

Use 'offene Türen einrennen' when you are trying to convince someone who already agrees with you. It's a very common and sophisticated idiom.

Vivid Verbs

In creative writing, replace 'gehen' with 'rennen' to increase the tension of a scene. It immediately tells the reader the character is in a hurry.

Regional Nuance

Don't be confused in Bavaria if someone says 'Ich bin gelaufen' but they were actually running fast. They know 'rennen', but 'laufen' is their default.

The 'A' Change

The past tense is 'rannte'. Associate the 'a' with 'Action' or 'Away'. He 'rannte' away from the 'Action'.

Prefix Detection

Train your ear to catch the prefix. 'Überrennen' (to overrun) sounds very different from 'rennen' and is inseparable, meaning the stress is on the verb.

Breathless Delivery

When saying 'Ich muss rennen!', say it quickly. The speed of your speech should match the meaning of the verb for natural effect.

Time Idioms

If you are late, say 'Die Zeit rennt mir davon'. It sounds much more native than just saying 'Ich habe keine Zeit'.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

Old High German 'rinnan'

Contexto cultural

The phrase 'Die Zeit rennt' reflects a cultural focus on efficiency and time management.

Germany is famous for the Autobahn and car brands; 'Rennen' often refers to car races.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Musst du oft zum Bus rennen?"

"Bist du schon mal einen Marathon gerannt?"

"Warum rennen die Leute in dieser Stadt so viel?"

"Rennst du lieber morgens oder abends?"

"Was machst du, wenn die Zeit rennt?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du rennen musstest.

Warum rennt die Zeit manchmal so schnell?

Was fühlst du, wenn du rennst?

Ist es besser zu rennen oder langsam zu gehen?

Ein Rennen, das ich nie vergessen werde.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is a mixed verb. This means it changes its stem vowel like a strong verb (e -> a) but takes the weak verb endings (-te) in the past tense. This makes it slightly more complex to memorize than purely regular verbs.

Use 'rennen' when the speed is high or there is urgency. 'Laufen' is more neutral and can even mean 'to walk' in some parts of Germany. If you are sprinting or in a race, 'rennen' is the better choice.

Yes, because it is a verb that describes a change of location (moving from A to B). In German grammar, almost all verbs of movement that imply a direction or change of place use 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense.

Yes, but usually in the context of a race. For example, 'Die Autos rennen auf der Strecke'. In normal driving, you would use 'fahren'. The noun 'das Rennen' is the standard word for a car race.

It is a common idiom meaning 'Time is flying' or 'Time is running out'. It suggests that time is moving very quickly and you might not have enough of it to finish what you are doing.

Yes, it is a separable prefix verb. In the present tense, it splits: 'Ich renne weg'. In the perfect tense, the 'ge' goes between the prefix and the verb: 'Ich bin weggerannt'.

'Eilen' is more formal and focuses on the 'hurry' aspect, whereas 'rennen' focuses on the physical 'running' aspect. You might 'eilen' to a wedding, but you 'rennen' to catch a falling glass.

It can be used reflexively in certain idioms, like 'sich festrennen' (to get bogged down) or 'sich die Seele aus dem Leib rennen' (to run extremely hard). In its basic meaning, it is not reflexive.

It is a noun derived from 'rennen' that usually has a negative connotation. It refers to the annoying necessity of having to go back and forth between places, like doing lots of errands or dealing with bureaucracy.

You can use the phrase 'um die Wette rennen' (to run for a bet/competition) or simply use the noun 'ein Rennen machen' or 'an einem Rennen teilnehmen'.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'rennen' in the present tense.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'rennen' in the perfect tense.

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writing

Translate: 'The children are running in the garden.'

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writing

Use 'wegrennen' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence with 'die Zeit rennt'.

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writing

Translate: 'He ran as fast as he could.'

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writing

Use 'um die Wette rennen' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'rennen' in the preterite.

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writing

Translate: 'I am running to the station.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 'laufen' and 'rennen' in German.

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writing

Write a short story (3 sentences) using 'rennen'.

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writing

Use 'offene Türen einrennen' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Why did you run away?'

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writing

Write a sentence about a car race.

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writing

Use 'herumrennen' in a command.

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writing

Translate: 'My heart is racing.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'hinterherrennen'.

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writing

Translate: 'We ran through the rain.'

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writing

Use 'niederrennen' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about being busy using 'Rennerei'.

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speaking

Say: 'Ich renne zum Bus.'

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speaking

Say: 'Bist du gerannt?'

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speaking

Say: 'Die Zeit rennt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Er rannte schnell.'

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speaking

Say: 'Wir rennen um die Wette.'

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speaking

Say: 'Renn weg!'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich bin den ganzen Weg gerannt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Warum rennst du?'

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speaking

Say: 'Das Rennen war gut.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich renne nach Hause.'

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speaking

Say: 'Nicht rennen!'

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speaking

Say: 'Sie rennt sehr schnell.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich bin gerannt, um pünktlich zu sein.'

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speaking

Say: 'Die Kinder rennen.'

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speaking

Say: 'Wir sind gerannt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Rennst du mit mir?'

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speaking

Say: 'Er ist weggerannt.'

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speaking

Say: 'Die Zeit rennt uns davon.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ich renne jeden Tag.'

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speaking

Say: 'Bist du zum Bahnhof gerannt?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ich renne.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Bist du gerannt?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Die Zeit rennt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Er rannte weg.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Wir rennen um die Wette.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Renn nicht!'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ich bin zum Bus gerannt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Warum rennst du so schnell?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Das Rennen beginnt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Sie rennen im Garten.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ich rannte nach Hause.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Die Zeit rennt uns davon.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Bist du weggerannt?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Wir sind gerannt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Er rennt zum Ziel.'

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