B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 17

The Passive Voice: Focusing on the Action

8 Total Rules
82 examples
7 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Shift the focus from the 'who' to the 'what' and master professional German communication.

  • Construct the werden-Passiv to describe ongoing processes.
  • Distinguish between agents (von) and means (durch) with precision.
  • Use passive alternatives like 'sich lassen' to sound more natural and academic.
Master the art of objective and sophisticated German expression.

What You'll Learn

Ready to fine-tune your German and sound truly native? This chapter is where you unlock the power of the German passive voice, a crucial skill for expressing yourself with precision and nuance. We'll move beyond simple 'who did what' sentences and dive deep into how to focus on the action, the result, or the event itself, without always needing to name the actor. Think of how news reports or official statements often describe events – that's the passive voice in action! You'll kick things off with the fundamental 'werden-Passiv' – the workhorse for describing what is being done. Then, you'll master the subtle but important distinctions between 'von' and 'durch' when you *do* need to mention who or what caused an action, making your explanations crystal clear. Ever wondered how Germans talk about a completed state, like 'the window is closed,' rather than 'the window was closed by someone'? That's the 'Zustandspassiv,' and you'll learn to use it effortlessly. We’ll also tackle the impersonal passive for when the actor is irrelevant or unknown – think general observations, like 'Es wird getanzt!' (Dancing is happening!). And for that ultimate native touch, you'll explore elegant alternatives to the passive, such as 'sich lassen' and the incredibly versatile 'man' construction. These aren't just grammar rules; they're your secret weapons for speaking German more naturally, actively, and smoothly, allowing you to sidestep clunky passive phrases. By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand the passive voice; you'll *command* it, using it to describe complex situations, processes, and results with the confidence of an upper-intermediate speaker. Get ready to sound more authentic and sophisticated!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Transform active sentences into werden-Passiv across different tenses.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Correctly identify when to use 'von' versus 'durch' to describe the cause of an action.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Describe completed states using the Zustandspassiv.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to: Employ passive substitutes like 'sich lassen' and 'man' to vary sentence structure.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome, B2 German learners! Ready to elevate your German grammar and sound truly native? This chapter is your key to mastering the German passive voice, an indispensable skill for expressing yourself with precision and nuance. Moving beyond simple 'who did what' sentences, we'll dive deep into how to focus on the action, the result, or the event itself, without always needing to name the actor. Think of how news reports or official statements often describe events – that's the passive voice in action! It's a hallmark of sophisticated B2 German communication.
You’ll kick things off with the fundamental werden-Passiv – the workhorse for describing what is being done. Then, you'll master the subtle but important distinctions between von and durch when you *do* need to mention who or what caused an action, making your explanations crystal clear. Ever wondered how Germans talk about a completed state, like 'the window is closed,' rather than 'the window was closed by someone'? That's the Zustandspassiv, and you'll learn to use it effortlessly. We’ll also tackle the impersonal passive for when the actor is irrelevant or unknown – think general observations, like Es wird getanzt! (Dancing is happening!).
And for that ultimate native touch, you'll explore elegant alternatives to the passive, such as sich lassen and the incredibly versatile man construction. These aren't just grammar rules; they're your secret weapons for speaking German more naturally, actively, and smoothly, allowing you to sidestep clunky passive phrases. By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand the passive voice in German; you'll *command* it, using it to describe complex situations, processes, and results with the confidence of an upper-intermediate speaker. Get ready to sound more authentic and sophisticated!

How This Grammar Works

The core of the German passive voice is the werden-Passiv, which describes an action being performed. It's formed with the auxiliary verb werden conjugated for the subject, plus the Partizip II (past participle) of the main verb. For example, Das Buch wird gelesen (The book is being read). When you want to specify *who* performed the action, you use von + Dativ: Das Buch wird von der Studentin gelesen (The book is being read by the student). If you're indicating the *means* or *cause* of an action, use durch + Akkusativ: Das Fenster wurde durch den Ball zerbrochen (The window was broken by the ball).
For describing a *state* or *result* rather than an ongoing action, we use the Zustandspassiv. This is formed with sein (to be) + Partizip II. For instance, Das Fenster ist geschlossen (The window is closed) describes the state of the window, not the act of closing it. The impersonal passive is used when the actor is irrelevant or unknown, often starting with Es: Es wird hier nicht geraucht (No smoking is allowed here).
The passive can also be combined with modal verbs. This structure uses the modal verb + Partizip II + werden. For example, Die Arbeit muss heute erledigt werden (The work must be done today). To avoid the passive, especially in spoken German, sich lassen is a great alternative, meaning something "allows itself to be done" or "can be done": Das lässt sich leicht reparieren (That can be easily repaired). Another common passive substitute is the indefinite pronoun man, which translates to "one" or "people" and makes a statement general: Man spricht hier Deutsch (German is spoken here / People speak German here). Mastering these options will significantly enhance your B2 German fluency.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: Das Fenster ist geschlossen werden.
✓ Correct: Das Fenster wird geschlossen. (The window is being closed.) OR Das Fenster ist geschlossen. (The window is closed.)
*Explanation:* This error mixes the auxiliary verbs for werden-Passiv and Zustandspassiv. Werden is for the action (is being closed), sein is for the state (is closed). You cannot use sein *and* werden together in this way for a simple passive construction.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: Der Brief wurde mit dem Postboten geschickt.
✓ Correct: Der Brief wurde von dem Postboten geschickt. (The letter was sent by the postman.)
*Explanation:* When indicating the *agent* (the person or thing performing the action), you must use von + Dativ. Mit (with) is incorrect here; it usually indicates an instrument or accompaniment.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: Es wurde viel gelacht und getanzt. (Referring to a specific group of people who laughed and danced.)
✓ Correct: Es wurde viel gelacht und getanzt. (Much laughing and dancing happened.) OR Sie haben viel gelacht und getanzt. (They laughed and danced a lot.)
*Explanation:* The impersonal passive Es wird getanzt is for general statements where the agent is unknown or unimportant. If you know who did it and want to emphasize them, use an active construction or a different passive form. The first sentence is grammatically correct as an impersonal passive but might be a common mistake if the speaker *intends* to refer to specific people without making it clear. It's often misused when a more active or agent-focused sentence is appropriate.

Real Conversations

A

A

Schau mal, das neue Rathaus wird gerade gebaut. (Look, the new town hall is currently being built.)
B

B

Ja, ich habe gehört, es soll nächstes Jahr fertiggestellt werden. (Yes, I heard it's supposed to be finished next year.)
A

A

Die Tür ist offen. Sollte sie nicht geschlossen sein? (The door is open. Shouldn't it be closed?)
B

B

Oh, stimmt! Sie wurde wahrscheinlich vom Wind aufgestoßen. (Oh, right! It was probably blown open by the wind.)
A

A

Man sagt, dass in diesem Restaurant das beste Schnitzel der Stadt serviert wird. (It is said that the best schnitzel in the city is served in this restaurant.)
B

B

Wirklich? Das lässt sich doch leicht überprüfen! Lass uns hingehen. (Really? That can be easily checked! Let's go there.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What is the main difference between werden-Passiv and Zustandspassiv in German grammar?

The werden-Passiv describes an *action* in progress (wird gemacht - is being done), while the Zustandspassiv describes a *state* or *result* after an action has occurred (ist gemacht - is done/finished).

Q

Can I use the passive voice with all German verbs?

No, only transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object in the active voice) can form the werden-Passiv. Intransitive verbs (like schlafen - to sleep, or gehen - to go) cannot form a personal passive, though some can be used in the impersonal passive (Es wird geschlafen - Sleeping is happening).

Q

How do I correctly use von vs. durch in the German passive voice?

Use von + Dativ when specifying the *agent* (the person or living being performing the action). Use durch + Akkusativ when referring to the *means* or *cause* (the inanimate object or abstract concept that caused the action).

Q

Are there simple ways to avoid the passive voice in B2 German writing?

Absolutely! Common alternatives include using the indefinite pronoun man (Man spricht Deutsch), the reflexive construction sich lassen (Das lässt sich machen), or simply rephrasing the sentence actively if the agent is known and relevant.

Cultural Context

The German passive voice is a fundamental aspect of formal and official communication. You'll encounter it frequently in news reports, academic texts, administrative documents, and technical instructions. It allows for objectivity and precision, often downplaying the actor in favor of the event itself. While the werden-Passiv is common, native speakers often prefer active alternatives like man or sich lassen in everyday conversation to sound less formal and more direct, especially at a B2 German level. Mastering these nuances helps you sound truly authentic.

Key Examples (8)

1

Das Video wird gerade auf YouTube hochgeladen.

The video is currently being uploaded to YouTube.

German Passive Voice: Focus on Action (werden-Passiv)
2

Der Termin wurde wegen der Zoom-Probleme verschoben.

The appointment was postponed because of Zoom issues.

German Passive Voice: Focus on Action (werden-Passiv)
3

Die {die|f} E-Mail wurde von der {die|f} Chefin unterschrieben.

The email was signed by the boss (female).

Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)
4

Dieses {das|n} Video wurde von Millionen Menschen gesehen.

This video was seen by millions of people.

Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)
5

Die Nachricht wurde durch das Internet verbreitet.

The message was spread via the internet.

Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes
6

Der Fehler wurde durch ein Software-Update behoben.

The bug was fixed by a software update.

Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes
7

Die Hausaufgaben sind gemacht.

The homework is done.

German State Passive: The 'Result' Mode (Zustandspassiv)
8

Der Laptop ist ausgeschaltet.

The laptop is switched off.

German State Passive: The 'Result' Mode (Zustandspassiv)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Focus on the Object

Always identify the object first. It becomes the subject of your passive sentence.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Passive Voice: Focus on Action (werden-Passiv)
💡

Check the Case

Always double-check that you are using Dativ after 'von'. It is the most common error.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)
🎯

The 'Postman' Rule

If a human is the delivery person, use 'von'. If the delivery truck or the postal service itself is the focus, use 'durch'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes
💡

Check the context

Ask yourself: is the action happening now or is it done?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German State Passive: The 'Result' Mode (Zustandspassiv)

Key Vocabulary (7)

die Entscheidung the decision veröffentlichen to publish die Ursache the cause beschädigen to damage der Vorgang the process durchführen to carry out/perform das Gesetz the law

Real-World Preview

wrench

At the Car Workshop

newspaper

Reading a News Report

Review Summary

  • werden + Partizip II
  • sein + Partizip II
  • sich lassen + Infinitiv

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'werden' when they actually want to describe a state. 'Wird' means someone is currently closing it; 'ist' means it is already shut.

Wrong: Das Fenster wird geschlossen. (when meaning it is already closed)
Correct: Das Fenster ist geschlossen.

Use 'von' for active agents (people/animals/institutions) and 'durch' for means, causes, or instruments (like wind, fire, or a key).

Wrong: Die Tür wurde von dem Wind geöffnet.
Correct: Die Tür wurde durch den Wind geöffnet.

When using modals in the passive, the infinitive of 'werden' comes at the end. Do not add 'worden' unless you are forming the Perfekt tense.

Wrong: Das Haus muss gebaut werden worden.
Correct: Das Haus muss gebaut werden.

Rules in This Chapter (8)

1

German Passive Voice: Focus on Action (werden-Passiv)

B2
The passive voice uses werden to focus on what is being done, not who is doing it.
Das Video wird gerade auf YouTube hochgeladen.
10 examples
2

Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)

B2
Use von with the Dative case to identify the person or active organization responsible for a passive action.
Die {die|f} E-Mail wurde von der {die|f} Chefin un...
12 examples
3

Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes

B2
Use durch for 'how' something happened (means) and von for 'who' did it (agent).
Die Nachricht wurde durch das Internet verbreitet.
10 examples
4

German State Passive: The 'Result' Mode (Zustandspassiv)

B2
Use 'sein' with a past participle to describe the final, completed state of an object.
Die Hausaufgaben sind gemacht.
10 examples
5

German Impersonal Passive: Actions Without Subjects (Es wird getanzt)

B2
Use the impersonal passive to describe actions or vibes without needing a subject to perform them.
Es wurde bis spät in die Nacht getanzt.
10 examples
6

Passive with Modals: It Must Be Done

B2
To express what must, can, or should be done, conjugate the modal verb and put 'Partizip II + werden' at the end.
{Das|n} Handy muss aufgeladen werden.
10 examples
7

Reflexive Passive: "sich lassen" and Passive Substitutes

B2
Use sich lassen or reflexive verbs with adverbs to elegantly express passive possibility without using werden.
Das Passwort lässt sich ganz einfach in den Einste...
10 examples
8

Passive Replacement with `man` (Using 'one' instead of 'be done')

B2
Replace formal passive voice with man + 3rd person singular for more natural, active German speech.
In dieser Bar trinkt man meistens Craft-Beer.
10 examples

Next Steps

You've just conquered one of the most technical parts of German grammar. Your ability to switch between active and passive will make your German sound incredibly professional and polished. Keep it up!

Read a German news article and highlight all passive constructions.

Describe your daily work routine using 'man' and 'werden-Passiv'.

Continue to: Hypothetical Thinking and Polite Requests

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank.

Der Strom wird ___ Windkraft erzeugt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: durch
Medium of generation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes

Fill in the blank.

Das Fenster ___ geöffnet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Zustandspassiv uses sein.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German State Passive: The 'Result' Mode (Zustandspassiv)

Choose the correct preposition.

Das Fenster wurde ___ (von/durch) dem Sturm zerbrochen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: durch
Sturm is a force/thing, not a person.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Es werden gearbeitet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: werden
Should be 'wird'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Impersonal Passive: Actions Without Subjects (Es wird getanzt)

Fill in the correct preposition.

Das Haus wurde ___ dem Sturm zerstört.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: durch
Storm is a force, use durch.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Man lernen Deutsch.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Man lernt Deutsch.
Conjugate for 3rd person singular.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive Replacement with `man` (Using 'one' instead of 'be done')

Complete the sentence.

Der Termin lässt ___ leider nicht verschieben.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sich
Reflexive for the appointment.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reflexive Passive: "sich lassen" and Passive Substitutes

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Die E-Mail wurde von den Chef geschickt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: von dem Chef
Chef is masculine Dativ.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Who did it? Passive Agent with 'von' (von + Dativ)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Das {das|n} Haus muss gebaut.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Add 'werden'
Passive needs 'werden'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive with Modals: It Must Be Done

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das wurde durch den Regen gemacht.
Rain is a force.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passive with 'durch': Explaining Means & Causes

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

To focus on the object or when the actor is unknown.
Yes, but present is most common.
The preposition 'von' is a fixed Dativ preposition in German grammar.
Usually no. Use 'durch' for things or processes.
No, never. Use 'von' for human agents.
Always Accusative.
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