When to use the present perfect

When something happened and it does not matter when it happened.

 

When something started in the past and is still going on.

 

When something happened in the past of which you see the result.

 

When something just happened or something hasn't happened yet.

They have just sent him a message.

 

As a mnemonic (ezelsbruggetje) you can use the following:

If any of these words are in the sentence, you should automatically use the present perfect.