Why do some verbs take 'sein' in the past tense?

The verbs that take sein in the past tense are usually (there are some exceptions) verbs that indicate a change of state or movement. For example, fahren is referring to movement, so you'd say ich bin gefahren. So when you have to conjugate verbs into the perfect tense, ask yourself whether the verb indicates a change of state or not.

Answered by Jack S. German tutor

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