How do I use "ser" and "estar"?

These two verbs translate to the english verb "to be" and, yes, it can be tricky to understand when we should use one or the other. As a general rule, a) "Ser" is used when we talk about a permanent feature that characterises something. -1. Dates and hours: "Son las ocho y media" (It's half past eight) / "Hoy es Jueves" (Today is Thursday). -2. Place of origin: "Soy de Alemania" (I'm from Germany). -3. Nationality: "Soy alemán/alemana" (I'm German). -4. Occupation: "Soy profesor" (I'm a teahcer). -5. Religious or political affiliation: "Soy musulmán" (I'm a muslim) / "Soy comunista" (I'm a communist). -6. The material something is made of: "Es de oro" (It's made of gold). -7. Possesion: "Es tuyo" (It's yours). -8. Relations: "Soy su padre" (I'm his/her father). -9. Location of an event: "El concierto es en Málaga" (The concert is in Malaga). -10. Essential qualities: "Soy humano" (I am human). b) "Estar" is used for temporary states. -1. Geographic location: "El Everest está en Nepal" (The Everest is in Nepal). -2. Emotional state: "Estoy un poco triste" (I'ma bit sad). -3. Progressive tenses (-ing): "Estoy cocinando" (I'm cooking).