Wann man das Passiv verwendet (Nachrichten & Gerüchte berichten)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the reported passive to share information without naming a specific source, common in news and gossip.
- Use 'It + is/was + past participle + that' for general claims (e.g., 'It is said that...').
- Use 'Subject + is/was + past participle + to-infinitive' for specific people (e.g., 'He is thought to be...').
- Common verbs include: say, think, believe, consider, report, know, and rumor.
Overview
They say the company is going to be sold. (Man sagt, die Firma wird verkauft.) Das ist eine klassische Art, Informationen weiterzugeben, ohne eine genaue Quelle zu nennen. Aber im Englischen, besonders in professionellen Kontexten wie Nachrichten, Berichten oder formellen E-Mails, nutzen wir dafür eine viel elegantere Struktur: das Reporting Passive (das berichtende Passiv).one, aber das klingt extrem steif und veraltet. One says... würde heute kaum noch jemand sagen. Stattdessen nutzt das Englische das Passiv, um Objektivität und Distanz zu schaffen.say(sagen)think(denken)believe(glauben)know(wissen)report(berichten)understand(verstehen/davon ausgehen)claim(behaupten)allege(unterstellen/behaupten – oft in juristischen Kontexten)
- 1Die unpersönliche Struktur mit
It: Diese Form ist dem Deutschen sehr ähnlich. „Es wird gesagt, dass...“ wird zuIt is said that.... Hier dientItals Platzhalter (Dummy-Subject). Es ist die einfachste Form, Informationen neutral weiterzugeben.
- 1Die persönliche Struktur mit dem
to-infinitive: Diese Form ist für deutsche Muttersprachler oft schwieriger, weil wir sie im Deutschen so nicht direkt haben. Hier rückt die Person oder Sache, über die berichtet wird, an den Anfang des Satzes. Statt „Man sagt, dass er reich ist“, sagen wir quasi: „Er wird gesagt, reich zu sein“ (He is said to be rich). Das klingt im Deutschen falsch, ist aber im Englischen die bevorzugte, elegantere Variante.
It + passive reporting verb + that-clauseIt, setzt das Reporting Verb ins Passiv (am häufigsten im Present Simple oder Past Simple) und hängst den eigentlichen Fakt mit that an.- Struktur:
It+is/was+Past Participle (V3)+that+Satz.
It is reported that the strike is ending. |It was believed that the earth was flat. |It is claimed that he lied. |Subject + passive reporting verb + to-infinitivethat-Satz rückt nach vorne. Das Verb, das danach kommt, muss in eine Infinitiv-Form umgewandelt werden. Je nachdem, wann das Ereignis stattgefunden hat, nutzt du einen anderen Infinitiv.- Struktur:
Subject+is/was+Past Participle (V3)+to-infinitive.
- 1Simple Infinitive (
to do): Für Ereignisse in der Gegenwart oder Zukunft.
- Beispiel:
He is said to live in London.(Man sagt, er wohnt in London.)
- 1Continuous Infinitive (
to be doing): Für Dinge, die gerade in diesem Moment passieren.
- Beispiel:
The police are thought to be searching the area.(Man glaubt, dass die Polizei gerade das Gebiet durchsucht.)
- 1Perfect Infinitive (
to have done): Für Dinge, die in der Vergangenheit abgeschlossen wurden.
- Beispiel:
She is reported to have won the lottery.(Es wird berichtet, dass sie im Lotto gewonnen hat.)
- 1Passive Infinitive (
to be done/to have been done): Wenn die berichtete Handlung selbst im Passiv steht.
- Beispiel:
The documents are believed to have been stolen.(Man glaubt, dass die Dokumente gestohlen wurden.)
Police believe he is the thief, machen sie die Polizei direkt verantwortlich für diese Meinung.He is believed to be the thief, klingt es neutraler und professioneller.It is rumored that the manager is leaving.(Es wird gemunkelt, dass der Manager geht.)The exam is said to be very difficult this year.(Die Prüfung soll dieses Jahr sehr schwer sein.)
It is well known that smoking damages health.(Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass Rauchen der Gesundheit schadet.)The new software is expected to increase productivity.(Es wird erwartet, dass die neue Software die Produktivität steigert.)
allege (unterstellen/behaupten) ist hier wichtig. Wenn in den Nachrichten über einen Kriminalfall berichtet wird, bei dem die Schuld noch nicht bewiesen ist, nutzt man das Passiv: The suspect is alleged to have committed the crime. (Dem Verdächtigen wird vorgeworfen/unterstellt, das Verbrechen begangen zu haben.)should und is said toHe should be rich.- Das Problem:
Shouldbedeutet im Englischen fast immer eine Empfehlung oder eine Pflicht („Er sollte reich sein“ – im Sinne von: Es wäre gut, wenn er es wäre). - Die Lösung: Wenn du ein Gerücht meinst, nutze immer
He is said to be rich.
become vs. be)It becomes said that...- Das Problem:
becomebedeutet „werden“ im Sinne von „zu etwas werden“ (z.B.I want to become a doctor). Das Passiv wird im Englischen ausschließlich mitbegebildet. - Die Lösung:
It is said...oderIt was reported....
that-Satzthat-Satz.- Falsch:
It is said that he yesterday home came. - Richtig:
It is said that he came home yesterday.
People say he is a genius. | He is said to be a genius. | Er soll ein Genie sein. / Man sagt, er sei... |They report that the price is rising. | It is reported that the price is rising. | Es wird berichtet, dass der Preis steigt. |Everyone knows she is the best. | She is known to be the best. | Sie ist bekannt dafür, die Beste zu sein. |Police claim he fled. | He is claimed to have fled. | Es wird behauptet, er sei geflohen. |People say...) nutzt du beim Bier in der Kneipe oder im lockeren WhatsApp-Chat. Das Reporting Passive nutzt du, wenn du professionell wirken willst, zum Beispiel in einer Präsentation oder einer offiziellen E-Mail an einen Kunden.eat, run oder sleep funktionieren in diesem speziellen „Reporting“-Kontext nicht. Du kannst nicht sagen: He is slept to be....It is said that... und He is said to...?It-Struktur ist etwas einfacher zu bauen und konzentriert sich auf die gesamte Information. Die to-infinitive-Struktur ist etwas fortgeschrittener und stellt die Person (das Subjekt) mehr in den Mittelpunkt.to-infinitive-Variante, weil sie kürzer und knackiger ist: Prime Minister said to resign.to have done (Perfect Infinitive) so wichtig?He is said to be rich, ist er es jetzt. Wenn du sagst He is said to have been rich, war er es früher, ist es aber vielleicht nicht mehr.have verlierst du die zeitliche Präzision.Reporting Verb Structures
| Structure Type | Subject | Passive Reporting Verb | Connector/Infinitive | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Impersonal
|
It
|
is said / was believed
|
that + clause
|
It is said that he is kind.
|
|
Personal (Present)
|
He / She / They
|
is thought / are known
|
to + infinitive
|
He is thought to be kind.
|
|
Personal (Past)
|
The suspect
|
is alleged
|
to have + past participle
|
He is alleged to have stolen it.
|
|
Personal (Continuous)
|
The team
|
is reported
|
to be + -ing
|
They are reported to be winning.
|
|
Negative Impersonal
|
It
|
is not expected
|
that + clause
|
It is not expected that they win.
|
|
Question Personal
|
Is
|
he known
|
to be + adjective
|
Is he known to be reliable?
|
Meanings
A grammatical structure used to report opinions, rumors, or facts when the specific source of the information is unknown, unimportant, or needs to be distanced from the speaker.
Impersonal Reporting
Using 'It' as a dummy subject to introduce a general belief or news item.
“It is reported that the strike will end tomorrow.”
“It was thought that the earth was flat.”
Personal Subject Reporting
Focusing on a specific person or thing as the subject of the rumor or belief.
“The CEO is said to be resigning next month.”
“The painting is believed to be a forgery.”
Past Reporting
Reporting something that was believed in the past but may not be now.
“He was known to be a difficult boss.”
“It was alleged that he stole the money.”
Reference Table
| Berichtsverb | Muster 1: 'It is/was/has been...' + that-Satz | Muster 2: 'Subjekt is/was/has been...' + to + Infinitiv |
|---|---|---|
|
Sagen
|
`It is said that she's a genius.`
|
`She is said to be a genius.`
|
|
Glauben
|
`It is believed that the plan will work.`
|
`The plan is believed to work.`
|
|
Denken
|
`It is thought that he quit.`
|
`He is thought to have quit.`
|
|
Berichten
|
`It was reported that the road is closed.`
|
`The road was reported to be closed.`
|
|
Wissen
|
`It is known that dogs love walks.`
|
`Dogs are known to love walks.`
|
|
Erwarten
|
`It is expected that prices will rise.`
|
`Prices are expected to rise.`
|
|
Verstehen
|
`It is understood that she resigned.`
|
`She is understood to have resigned.`
|
|
Behaupten
|
`It is claimed that the product works.`
|
`The product is claimed to work.`
|
Formalitätsspektrum
It is widely considered that the company is facing insolvency. (Business discussion)
The company is thought to be failing. (Business discussion)
Word is the company is going under. (Business discussion)
People are saying the company is toast. (Business discussion)
Passives Berichten: Wann man es verwendet
Schlüsselstrukturen
- `It is said that...` Allgemeine Aussagen
- `Subject is believed to...` Fokus auf Person/Sache
Warum verwenden?
- Unknown source Wer hat es gesagt? Nicht wichtig.
- Formal tone Objektiv, akademisch, Nachrichten
- Avoid responsibility Gerüchte, Tratsch teilen
- Focus on info Was berichtet wird, ist entscheidend
Gängige Verben
- `say` Man sagt
- `believe` Man glaubt
- `think` Man denkt
- `report` Es wurde berichtet
- `expect` Es wird erwartet
Passive Berichtsstrukturen: 'It is...' vs. 'Subject is...'
Die richtige passive Berichtsstruktur wählen
Möchtest du eine allgemeine Tatsache oder Situation berichten?
Möchtest du etwas über eine bestimmte Person oder Sache berichten?
Findet die berichtete Handlung gleichzeitig mit dem Berichtsverb statt oder in der Zukunft?
Fand die berichtete Handlung VOR dem Berichtsverb statt?
Passive Berichtsverben & ihre Anwendungen
Allgemeine Meinung
- • `It is said...`
- • `It is believed...`
- • `It is thought...`
Formelle Berichterstattung
- • `It is reported...`
- • `It is understood...`
- • `It is alleged...`
Erwartungen
- • `It is expected...`
- • `He is expected to...`
Bekannte Fakten
- • `It is known...`
- • `She is known to...`
Beispiele nach Niveau
People say he is rich.
People say he is rich.
They say it is a good movie.
They say it is a good movie.
Everyone says the food is great.
Everyone says the food is great.
My friends say she is nice.
My friends say she is nice.
It is said that he is a hero.
It is said that he is a hero.
It is known that the sun is hot.
It is known that the sun is hot.
It is thought that they are happy.
It is thought that they are happy.
Is it said that the party is at 8?
Is it said that the party is at 8?
The company is expected to grow this year.
The company is expected to grow this year.
It is reported that the road is closed.
It is reported that the road is closed.
He is believed to have stolen the car.
He is believed to have stolen the car.
The team is thought to be the best in the league.
The team is thought to be the best in the league.
The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.
The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.
It is widely assumed that the tax will increase.
It is widely assumed that the tax will increase.
The ruins are considered to be over 2,000 years old.
The ruins are considered to be over 2,000 years old.
She is understood to be working on a new book.
She is understood to be working on a new book.
The policy is rumored to be under review by the committee.
The policy is rumored to be under review by the committee.
It is contended that the data was misinterpreted.
It is contended that the data was misinterpreted.
He is reputed to have been the finest architect of his generation.
He is reputed to have been the finest architect of his generation.
The species was previously thought to have been extinct.
The species was previously thought to have been extinct.
The document is purported to be the original treaty.
The document is purported to be the original treaty.
It is held by many scholars that the text is a later addition.
It is held by many scholars that the text is a later addition.
The CEO is rumored to have been ousted in a boardroom coup.
The CEO is rumored to have been ousted in a boardroom coup.
The findings are expected to be met with significant skepticism.
The findings are expected to be met with significant skepticism.
Leicht verwechselbar
Learners often use 'They say' when 'It is said' would be more appropriate for the formal context.
Mixing 'He is said that...' and 'It is said to...'.
Confusing 'He is said to have...' with 'He had his hair cut'.
Häufige Fehler
He says that he is rich.
People say he is rich.
It says that it will rain.
It is said that it will rain.
He is said that he is a genius.
He is said to be a genius.
The thief is believed escaped.
The thief is believed to have escaped.
It is alleged him to be the killer.
He is alleged to be the killer.
Satzmuster
It is ___ that ___.
___ is/are thought to ___.
___ is said to have ___.
It was once believed that ___.
Real World Usage
It is reported that the ceasefire has been signed.
She is rumored to be getting a promotion.
The theory is considered to be outdated.
The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The temple is said to have been built in a single night.
The new iPhone is expected to have a better camera.
Fokus auf die Info, nicht die Quelle
It is believed that the company will launch a new product.
Achtung bei Infinitiven!
to go) oder einen Perfekt-/Verlaufs-Infinitiv (to have gone, to be going). Vergiss 'be' für laufende Handlungen oder 'have' für vergangene Handlungen nicht! Das ist eine häufige Fehlerquelle, also überprüfe deine 'to'-Konstruktionen doppelt. Stell dir vor, du sprichst über eine Aktion, die gerade passiert oder schon passiert ist. Achte genau auf die Form nach 'to'. Falsch wäre: 'He is said to going.' Richtig ist: He is said to be going.
Der Go-To für Nachrichten & Tratsch
She is rumored to be moving abroad.
Formeller Ton im Englischen
It is understood that the deadline is flexible.
Smart Tips
Start your sentences with 'It is reported that...' or 'It is understood that...'.
Use 'He is rumored to...' to share a secret without sounding like you are the one who started it.
Use 'It is widely considered that...' instead of 'Many people think...'.
Remember that 'to have' means the action happened *before* the rumor started.
Aussprache
Stress on the Reporting Verb
In the reported passive, the main stress usually falls on the past participle of the reporting verb (said, thought, believed).
The 'to' reduction
In the personal subject structure, the word 'to' is often reduced to a weak 'tuh' sound.
Falling intonation for facts
It is known that the earth is round. ↘
Conveys certainty and finality.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Remember 'IT' for 'Information Total' (It is said that...) and 'S' for 'Specific Subject' (She is said to...).
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a news anchor behind a desk. When they look at the camera and say 'It is reported...', they are talking to everyone. When they point to a photo of a celebrity and say 'He is rumored...', they are focusing on that person.
Rhyme
If you don't know who said the word, use the passive to be heard.
Story
A detective arrives at a crime scene. He doesn't know who the thief is. He tells the press, 'It is believed that the thief entered through the window.' Later, when they find a suspect, he says, 'The suspect is thought to have hidden the jewels.'
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write three rumors about your favorite celebrity using 'is said to', 'is rumored to', and 'is thought to'.
Kulturelle Hinweise
Journalists use 'alleged' or 'it is reported' to avoid lawsuits. If they say 'He is a thief' and it's not proven, they can be sued. If they say 'He is alleged to be a thief,' they are just reporting a claim.
British news (like the BBC) uses the reported passive very frequently to maintain a tone of 'impartiality' and 'stiff upper lip' objectivity.
In universities, using 'I think' is often discouraged. Students are taught to use 'It is argued that' or 'It is considered' to make their writing sound more scientific.
The use of the passive voice for distancing comes from Latin legal and academic traditions, which heavily influenced Middle English.
Gesprächseinstiege
What is a famous rumor about a celebrity that is said to be true?
It is reported that robots will take many jobs. What do you think?
Is there a place in your city that is thought to be haunted?
What are some things that were once believed to be true but are now known to be false?
Tagebuch-Impulse
Häufige Fehler
Test Yourself
It ___ that the new student is from Canada.
It is believed that... ist korrekt, um eine allgemeine aktuelle Überzeugung oder ein Gerücht zu berichten.Find and fix the mistake:
The app is said to being updated next week.
to musst du einen Infinitiv ohne to verwenden. To be updated zeigt korrekt eine zukünftige passive Handlung an.Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Subject is thought to have + past participle berichtet korrekt eine vergangene Handlung, die vor dem aktuellen Gedanken abgeschlossen wurde.Choose the correct sentence:
is reported ist korrekt für die It is...that-Struktur und zeigt allgemeine Nachrichten an.Score: /4
Ubungsaufgaben
8 exercisesIt is _______ (believe) that the company will close next year.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The thief is thought to escaped through the window.
People say that he lives in New York. -> He _______.
1. People think she is rich. 2. People thought she was rich.
We can use the verb 'want' in the reported passive structure (e.g., 'It is wanted that...').
A: Did you hear about the CEO? B: Yes, she is rumored _______ resigning.
Verbs: say, eat, believe, run, report, sleep.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe new restaurant ___ to open next month.
It is believed the ancient text existed for centuries.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Se informa que el concierto fue un éxito.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with the correct endings:
The celebrity is understood ___ in secret for months.
Many students are expected to will attend the orientation.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the reporting verbs with their correct infinitive forms:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, only verbs related to saying, thinking, or believing (e.g., `say`, `think`, `believe`, `report`, `know`). You can't say `It is eaten that...`.
They mean the same thing, but 'It is said that' focuses on the whole idea, while 'He is said to' focuses on the person.
It's more common in formal speaking (like news) or when sharing rumors. In casual talk, we usually say `I heard that...` or `They say...`.
Use `to have + past participle`. For example: `He is said to have left` means people say he left in the past.
To protect themselves legally. It shows they are reporting a claim, not stating a proven fact.
Yes! `It was said that...` means people used to say it, but maybe they don't anymore.
Yes, but `Rumor has it` is an idiomatic expression, while `It is rumored that` is a standard passive structure.
Mixing the two forms, like saying `He is said that he is...`. Remember: `It` + `that`, `He` + `to`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish lacks the personal subject + passive + to-infinitive structure.
On dit que...
French uses an active subject 'on' instead of a passive 'it'.
Man sagt, dass...
German uses 'man' or 'es wird' rather than personal subject passives.
...to iwarete iru
Japanese word order is different, but the logic of using a passive verb is very similar.
Yuqālu 'anna...
Arabic usually keeps the verb at the start of the sentence.
Jùshuō (据说)
Chinese doesn't use a 'passive' verb form because Chinese verbs don't conjugate for voice.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Verwandte Videos
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