When to use "sein" and "haben" for verbs that allow both auxiliary verbs?

Answer 1

In those cases the transitive nature of the verb's use is deciding. For instance, if I use "geritten" (rode, as in "rode a horse") intransitive ("Ich bin als junger Mann jeden Tag geritten.") then the auxiliary verb to use is "sein". On the other hand, if I use "geritten" transitive ("Ich habe noch nie eine Kamel geritten."), then the auxiliary verb being used is "haben".

HTH

Armin

Answer 2

A general rule:

All verbs indicating a movement and/or development use the verb 'sein' , for example: Ich bin gelaufen, Ich bin Lehrerin geworden [Present Perfect]. All other verbs use 'haben'.

I hope this answers your question!