B1 · Mittelstufe Kapitel 29

The Passive Voice

7 Gesamtregeln
73 Beispiele
6 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Shift the focus from who did the action to what happened to the object.

  • Form the passive voice using 'be' and past participles.
  • Use reporting verbs to sound objective and professional.
  • Arrange services using the 'have something done' structure.
Master the art of objective and professional English.

Was du lernen wirst

Ever wonder how to report news or talk about actions without naming names? This chapter will help you master the passive voice, so you can confidently use phrases like

It is said that...
and sound more natural. Get ready to add polish to your English!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Describe manufacturing processes using the Present Simple Passive.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Report rumors or general beliefs using 'It is said that...'
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Talk about historical events and completed actions using the Past Simple Passive.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to: Explain services you've arranged, like repairs or haircuts, using 'have something done'.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Mastering English the passive voice is a crucial step for B1 English grammar learners looking to communicate with greater nuance and professionalism. Often, in English, we want to talk about actions or events without necessarily focusing on *who* performed them. Perhaps the doer is unknown, unimportant, or you simply want to keep the report objective.
This chapter is your comprehensive guide to understanding and using this powerful grammatical tool effectively.
You'll learn how to construct sentences where the action or the receiver of the action takes center stage, moving beyond simple active constructions. This includes describing regular habits or facts using the Present Simple Passive, like how products are manufactured. We'll also explore how to use reporting verbs such as
It is said that...
to share news or rumors objectively, focusing on the information itself rather than the speaker.
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to confidently discuss
things happening to things,
report on completed actions using the Past Simple Passive, and even integrate modal verbs to express possibility or necessity in the passive form, such as
It can be done.
Get ready to add significant polish and professionalism to your English conversations and writing!

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, the passive voice shifts the focus of a sentence from the doer of an action to the receiver or the action itself. Instead of
John built the house,
we might say
The house was built by John
(focus on house) or simply
The house was built
(if John is unimportant). The basic structure is: object + be (conjugated) + past participle.
Let's start with the basics. For routine actions or facts, we use the Present Simple Passive. For example,
Coffee is grown in Brazil
focuses on the coffee, not the farmer.
When we want to include modal verbs to express ability, necessity, or possibility, we combine the modal with 'be' and the past participle:
The report must be submitted by Friday.
Here, the report is the focus of the action, even if we don't know who submits it.
Then, there are those handy reporting verbs like 'say,' 'believe,' 'report.' These are fantastic for sharing information objectively. Instead of People say that..., you can use
It is said that the new policy will be announced soon.
This structure makes the information, not the source, the star. Similarly, for past actions where the result is more important, the Past Simple Passive comes into play:
The ancient city was discovered by archaeologists last century.
Notice how
things happening to things
often leads to passive usage, like
The car was manufactured in Germany
or
The package was sent last week.
It's all about emphasizing the action or the object experiencing it.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Forgetting 'be' or using the wrong form of 'be'.
✗ The car repaired yesterday.
✓ The car was repaired yesterday.
*Explanation: The auxiliary verb 'be' (is, am, are, was, were, been) is essential for forming the passive voice. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.*
  1. 1Using the base form or -ing form instead of the past participle.
✗ The decisions must be make quickly.
✓ The decisions must be made quickly.
*Explanation: The main verb in a passive construction must always be in its past participle form (third form), not the base form or -ing form.*
  1. 1Overusing the passive voice when the active is more natural.
✗ The ball was kicked by the boy. The goal was scored by him.
✓ The boy kicked the ball and scored the goal.
*Explanation: While useful, the passive voice shouldn't replace the active voice when the doer is clear and the active voice sounds more direct and engaging. Use it when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or you want objectivity.*

Real Conversations

1.

A

A

Have you heard about the new library opening?
B

B

Oh, yes! It is said that it will be opened next month. The final touches are being added now.

2.

A

A

My bike isn't working. I think the chain is broken.
B

B

That's a shame. It can be fixed, though. Maybe you should take it to a shop?
A

A

Yeah, it was bought second-hand, so it probably needs some maintenance.

3.

A

A

How was your trip to Rome?
B

B

It was amazing! The Colosseum was built thousands of years ago, and it's still so impressive. All the ancient ruins are protected by the government.

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use the passive voice in English?

You should use the passive voice when the action itself or the receiver of the action is more important than the person or thing performing it. It’s also great for being objective, formal, or when the doer is unknown, as in

The window was broken.

Q

What's the main difference between active and passive voice?

In the active voice, the subject *performs* the action (e.g.,

The chef cooks the meal
). In the passive voice, the subject *receives* the action (e.g.,
The meal is cooked by the chef
). The focus of the sentence changes!

Q

How do I form the passive voice in English?

The basic structure for the passive voice is to be verb (conjugated) + past participle of the main verb. For example, for write, it becomes

is written
(Present Simple),
was written
(Past Simple), or
will be written
(Future Simple).

Q

Is the passive voice always formal?

Not always, but it does tend to sound more formal or academic, especially reporting passive structures like

It is believed that...
. However, it's also common in everyday speech when the doer is irrelevant or obvious, like
My car was stolen
or
Dinner is being prepared.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use the passive voice frequently, often unconsciously, especially in formal writing like news reports, scientific papers, or official announcements. Think
The new law was passed yesterday
or
Experiments are conducted carefully.
In everyday informal conversation, it's also common when the doer is obvious or unimportant, for example,
My phone was stolen!
or
Dinner is being prepared.
While regional differences might affect specific vocabulary, the core uses of the passive voice remain consistent across most English-speaking regions.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

Englisch wird in vielen Ländern gesprochen.

Das Passiv: Fokus auf Handlungen (Passiv im Simple Present)
2

New products are launched every season.

Neue Produkte werden jede Saison auf den Markt gebracht.

Das Passiv: Fokus auf Handlungen (Passiv im Simple Present)
3

The email `can be sent` to all participants after the final review.

Die E-Mail kann nach der finalen Überprüfung an alle Teilnehmer gesendet werden.

Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden
4

Important announcements `should be posted` on the student portal regularly.

Wichtige Ankündigungen sollten regelmäßig auf dem Studentenportal veröffentlicht werden.

Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden
5

It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyone's talking about it on TikTok.

Man sagt, der neue Film ist fantastisch; alle reden auf TikTok darüber.

Passiv: Berichtsverben (Es wird gesagt, dass...)
6

The CEO is expected to announce significant changes during the Zoom meeting tomorrow.

Es wird erwartet, dass der CEO morgen im Zoom-Meeting wichtige Änderungen bekannt geben wird.

Passiv: Berichtsverben (Es wird gesagt, dass...)
7

It is said that the new coffee shop has the best matcha lattes.

Man sagt, dass das neue Café die besten Matcha Lattes hat.

Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'
8

She is believed to be one of the most innovative programmers on the team.

Man glaubt, dass sie eine der innovativsten Programmiererinnen im Team ist.

Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'

Tipps & Tricks (4)

💡

Fokus auf das Ergebnis

Das Present Simple Passive betont das *Ergebnis* oder die *Handlung selbst*, nicht wer es getan hat. Frag dich: Ist der 'Täter' hier wichtig? Wenn nicht, ist das Passiv wahrscheinlich dein Freund.
The documents are printed and ready.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Das Passiv: Fokus auf Handlungen (Passiv im Simple Present)
💡

Denk an 'Täter' vs. 'Empfänger'

Wenn das Subjekt im Satz die Handlung nicht selbst *ausführt*, ist es wahrscheinlich passiv! Dein Objekt rückt in den Fokus. Stell dir vor, du siehst ein zerbrochenes Fenster und denkst:
The window was broken.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden
💡

Wähle das richtige 'it'

Stell dir vor, du bist auf einer Party und hörst ein Gerücht, aber du weißt nicht genau, wer es erzählt hat. Dann sagst du:
It is said that...
Das ist wie ein allgemeines 'man sagt'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv: Berichtsverben (Es wird gesagt, dass...)
🎯

Wähle dein Muster klug

Wenn du die *Information* betonen möchtest, nutze
It is said that...
. Wenn die *Person oder Sache*, über die berichtet wird, das Subjekt sein soll, wähle
He is said to be...
. Beide sind richtig, aber eines passt vielleicht besser!
It is said that the concert is sold out.
vs.
The singer is said to be ill.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'

Wichtige Vokabeln (6)

manufacture to make something on a large scale using machinery rumor a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation service to maintain or repair a vehicle or machine claim to state that something is the case, typically without proof deliver to bring and hand over a letter, package, or goods renovate to restore something old to a good state of repair

Real-World Preview

tv

At the Local News Station

heart

Getting Ready for a Wedding

Review Summary

  • Subject + am/is/are + Past Participle
  • Subject + was/were + Past Participle
  • Subject + have + object + Past Participle

Häufige Fehler

Many learners forget the verb 'to be'. Without 'was' or 'is', it's just a participle, not a full passive verb.

Wrong: The cake made by my mom.
Richtig: The cake was made by my mom.

If you say 'I had cut my hair', it means you did it yourself (Past Perfect). Use 'have + object + participle' for services.

Wrong: I had cut my hair.
Richtig: I had my hair cut.

Reporting verbs in the passive must always be in the past participle form (said, thought, believed), not the base form.

Wrong: It is say that he is a hero.
Richtig: It is said that he is a hero.

Regeln in diesem Kapitel (7)

1

Das Passiv: Fokus auf Handlungen (Passiv im Simple Present)

B1
Wenn du das „wer“ nicht hervorheben willst, ist das „Present Simple Passive“ dein bester Freund. So klingt dein Englisch präziser und natürlicher. Denk an: Aktion im Fokus und Täter unwichtig!
English is spoken in many countries.
10 Beispiele
2

Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden

B1
Mit dem Modalpassiv kannst du super easy über Möglichkeiten, Notwendigkeiten und Verpflichtungen sprechen, ohne den 'Täter' zu nennen.
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 Beispiele
3

Passiv: Berichtsverben (Es wird gesagt, dass...)

B1
Mit diesen passiven Reporting Verbs klingst du viel formeller, objektiver und nuancierter. Denk an objektiv, neutral und professionell.
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 Beispiele
4

Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'

B1
Meistere das impersonelle Passiv, um objektiv und seriös zu klingen, genau wie ein Nachrichtensprecher!
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 Beispiele
5

Passiv: Dinge, die mit Dingen geschehen (wird gemacht, wurde gesendet)

B1
Wenn du das Passiv beherrschst, wird dein Englisch viel flexibler und ausdrucksstärker, besonders wenn du dich auf die Handlung konzentrieren willst.
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 Beispiele
6

Passiv im Simple Past: Abgeschlossene Handlungen (wurde/wurden gemacht)

B1
Meistere das Past Simple Passive, um den Fokus vom Handelnden auf den Empfänger zu verschieben und natürlicher zu klingen. Es ist wie eine geheime Superkraft für deine Sätze! Denk an Fokus verschieben und natürlicher klingen.
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 Beispiele
7

Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

B1
Have something done means you arrange for someone else to do something for you. Structure: have + object + past participle. It is NOT the same as doing it yourself.
5 Beispiele

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your English significantly! The passive voice is a hallmark of the B1 level. Keep practicing, and you'll be sounding like a native speaker in no time.

Read a news article and highlight every passive sentence you find.

Describe your morning routine as a process: 'The coffee is brewed, the mail is checked...'

Continue to: The Second Conditional

Schnelle Übung (10)

Wähle die richtige Verbform für das Passiv.

The famous painting ___ last night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was stolen
Das Subjekt 'painting' ist Singular, deshalb benutzen wir 'was'. Das Partizip Perfekt von 'steal' ist 'stolen'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv im Simple Past: Abgeschlossene Handlungen (wurde/wurden gemacht)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

It believed that laughter is the best medicine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is believed that laughter is the best medicine.
Die Passivkonstruktion erfordert eine Form von 'be' vor dem Partizip Perfekt. 'Is believed' bildet korrekt das Passiv Präsens.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'

Select the best option.

She ___ her nails done every week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has
Every week indicates present simple.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Welcher Satz verwendet das Passiv mit einem Modalverb korrekt?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: These instructions can be followed.
Die korrekte Struktur für das Modalpassiv ist modal + be + past participle. 'Followed' ist das Past Participle von 'follow'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

The books was delivered yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The books were delivered yesterday.
Das Subjekt 'books' ist Plural, daher ist 'were' nötig, nicht 'was'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv im Simple Past: Abgeschlossene Handlungen (wurde/wurden gemacht)

Wähle die richtige Passivform, um den Satz zu vervollständigen.

The new update ___ on all devices yesterday afternoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was rolled out
Das Subjekt 'update' ist Singular und die Handlung geschah 'yesterday afternoon' (Vergangenheit), daher ist 'was rolled out' korrekt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv: Dinge, die mit Dingen geschehen (wird gemacht, wurde gesendet)

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

I had my house paint.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I had my house painted.
Need past participle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Welcher Satz verwendet das Passiv korrekt?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My laptop was repaired last week.
Die korrekte Passivform erfordert 'was' (Form von 'to be') und 'repaired' (Partizip Perfekt).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv: Dinge, die mit Dingen geschehen (wird gemacht, wurde gesendet)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

The report should be write by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The report should be written by Friday.
Das Hauptverb im Passiv muss im Past Participle stehen. Das Past Participle von 'write' ist 'written'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv mit Modalverben: Es kann getan werden

Wähle die richtige Form, um den Satz zu vervollständigen.

The new policy ___ expected to increase student engagement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Das Subjekt 'The new policy' ist Singular, daher benötigt es die Singularform von 'be', nämlich 'is'. Die Struktur ist 'It is expected that...' oder 'Subject is expected to...'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiv für Objektivität: 'Man sagt, dass...'

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

Sein Hauptzweck ist es, die Handlung und den Empfänger der Handlung hervorzuheben, anstatt die Person oder Sache, die sie ausführt. Es ist super, wenn der Täter unbekannt oder unwichtig ist, wie bei
The dishes are washed daily
.
Du bildest es mit der richtigen Form des Verbs 'to be' (am, is oder are), gefolgt vom Partizip Perfekt (V3) des Hauptverbs. Zum Beispiel:
The emails are sent
.
Es geht darum, ein Modalverb (wie can, should, must) mit der Passivstruktur (be + past participle) zu verbinden. So sprichst du über Handlungen, bei denen der 'Täter' unbekannt, unwichtig oder offensichtlich ist. Der Fokus liegt auf der Handlung oder dem Empfänger der Handlung, zum Beispiel in 'The work must be completed'.
Du nutzt es, wenn die Handlung selbst oder das Objekt, das die Handlung empfängt, wichtiger ist als die Person, die sie ausführt. Es macht die Sprache auch formeller, objektiver oder höflicher. Zum Beispiel ist 'The announcement will be made soon' weniger direkt als 'Someone will make the announcement soon'.
Reporting Verbs sind Verben wie 'say', 'think', 'believe', 'know', die wir nutzen, um zu berichten, was jemand anderes gesagt oder gedacht hat. Im Passiv helfen sie uns, Infos weiterzugeben, ohne die ursprüngliche Quelle nennen zu müssen.
Diese Struktur nutzt du, wenn die Informationsquelle allgemein, unbekannt oder unwichtig ist. Es klingt formeller und objektiver, der Fokus liegt auf der berichteten Tatsache selbst. Denk an:
It is believed that the market will recover
.
Vorheriges Kapitel
Mastering Perfect Tenses
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The Second Conditional
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