Rumors & News: German Passive in Indirect Speech (Passiv Konjunktiv I)
Passiv Konjunktiv I to professionally report what someone else said is happening to an object.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use Konjunktiv I Passive to report what others said in the passive voice without sounding like you're stating facts.
- Use 'sei' + past participle for present passive: 'Er sagt, der {der|m} Bericht sei geschrieben worden.'
- Use 'seien' for plural subjects: 'Die {die|f} Aufgaben seien erledigt worden.'
- If Konjunktiv I looks like Indicative, use Konjunktiv II: 'Sie sagten, die {die|f} Arbeit würde gemacht.'
Overview
German, a language celebrated for its precision, employs specific grammatical structures to convey nuanced information. One such structure, the Passive Voice in Indirect Speech using Konjunktiv I (Passiv Konjunktiv I), is fundamental for advanced learners aiming for fluency at a B2 level and beyond. This construction allows speakers and writers to report information that originates from an external source without endorsing its truthfulness, effectively distancing themselves from the statement.
It is the linguistic tool for conveying rumors, news, scientific findings, or official reports where the original action was performed on an object, rather than by a subject.
At its core, Konjunktiv I signals reported speech or indirect quotation. When combined with the passive voice, which shifts focus from the actor to the recipient of the action, Passiv Konjunktiv I becomes a powerful and concise way to relay information while simultaneously indicating its indirect nature. For instance, instead of stating Der Bericht wird geschrieben. (The report is being written.
– a direct fact), you might encounter Es werde gesagt, dass der Bericht geschrieben werde. (It is said that the report is being written.), where the speaker merely relays the information without personally confirming it. This grammatical form is prevalent in formal German communication, such as journalism, academic texts, and official pronouncements, reflecting a cultural emphasis on attributing information to its source.
How This Grammar Works
Passiv Konjunktiv I requires appreciating the interplay between two core grammatical concepts: the passive voice and the subjunctive mood Konjunktiv I. The passive voice, or Passiv, always emphasizes the action being performed on the subject (the patient) rather than the subject performing the action (the agent). For example, in Das Fenster wird geöffnet. (The window is being opened.), the window is the recipient of the action.Konjunktiv I into this structure, we layer on the semantic function of indirectness. Konjunktiv I serves as a linguistic signal that the information being conveyed is not a direct statement of fact by the speaker, but rather a report of what someone else has said, thought, or believed. Therefore, Passiv Konjunktiv I enables you to report a passive statement made by another source.Der Fehler wird korrigiert. (The error is being corrected.) This is a declarative statement of fact. Now, imagine a superior tells you this. When you report this to a colleague, using Passiv Konjunktiv I, you might say: Man sagt, der Fehler werde korrigiert. (It is said that the error is being corrected.) Here, werde korrigiert (is being corrected) retains the passive structure, but the Konjunktiv I form of werden (werde) clearly marks it as reported speech.Es wird berichtet, dass... (It is reported that...) or Es heißt, dass... (It is said that...). It allows for a more elegant and integrated reporting style, where the source of the information is implied as external rather than explicitly stated. The choice to use Passiv Konjunktiv I over a more direct reporting clause like Jemand hat gesagt, dass der Fehler korrigiert wird. (Someone said that the error is being corrected.) often hinges on the desired level of formality, conciseness, and the degree of detachment the speaker wishes to project.Formation Pattern
Passiv Konjunktiv I for the present tense involves a specific combination of the auxiliary verb werden and the past participle of the main verb. The structure follows a clear formula:
Subjekt + Konjunktiv I form of werden + Partizip II (of the main verb) + (Rest of the sentence)
Konjunktiv I conjugations of werden. Unlike the Indikativ forms, the Konjunktiv I forms are distinct for most persons, which is key to their function as a signal for reported speech. However, note the crucial instances where Konjunktiv I forms are identical to their Indikativ counterparts; in such cases, substitution with Konjunktiv II is common to avoid ambiguity.
Indikativ Präsens | Konjunktiv I Präsens | English Equivalent |
Konjunktiv I forms for ich, wir, and sie/Sie (plural) are identical to their Indikativ Präsens counterparts. To prevent confusion and ensure the listener/reader understands that reported speech is intended, native speakers typically substitute the corresponding Konjunktiv II (or würde-form for Konjunktiv II) for these ambiguous forms. For werden, the Konjunktiv II form is würden. Therefore, you will often hear/read:
ich würde (instead of ich werde)
wir würden (instead of wir werden)
sie/Sie würden (instead of sie/Sie werden)
Man sagt, ich werde angerufen. (It is said that I am being called.) – Often Man sagt, ich würde angerufen.
Es wird berichtet, du werdest eingeladen. (It is reported that you are being invited.)
Sie meint, das Paket werde zugestellt. (She thinks the package is being delivered.)
Es hieß, wir werden aufgefordert. (It was said that we are being requested.) – Often Es hieß, wir würden aufgefordert.
Partizip II (past participle) of the main verb remains at the very end of the clause, just as in regular passive constructions. For most verbs, the Partizip II is formed with ge- + verb stem + -(e)t (for weak verbs) or ge- + verb stem + -en (for strong verbs), sometimes with a vowel change. Separable prefix verbs place ge- between the prefix and the stem (e.g., anrufen -> angerufen). Inseparable prefix verbs and verbs ending in -ieren do not use ge- (e.g., informieren -> informiert).
Das Gesetz wird geändert. (The law is being changed.)
Man teilt mit, das Gesetz werde geändert. (It is announced that the law is being changed.)
Die neuen Möbel werden geliefert. (The new furniture is being delivered.)
dass-clause): Sie sagten, dass die neuen Möbel geliefert werden. (They said that the new furniture is being delivered.) – Note: In a dass-clause, the conjugated verb (werden in this case) moves to the end, just before the Partizip II. This is an exception in that the conjugated verb comes before the participle for Passiv Konjunktiv I in subordinate clauses, rather than after the Partizip II if the Partizip II came after the main verb.
Partizip II always appears at the very end of the verbal complex, typically preceded by the auxiliary werden (or sein for Konjunktiv I Perfekt Passiv).
When To Use It
Passiv Konjunktiv I is a specialized construction used primarily in formal written and spoken contexts where the speaker or writer needs to report an action that is being done to a subject, while simultaneously distancing themselves from the statement's direct validity. Its utility lies in conveying information as hearsay, news, rumors, or unconfirmed reports, often found in the following scenarios:- Journalism and News Reporting: This is perhaps its most common domain. News anchors, newspaper articles, and online news portals frequently employ
Passiv Konjunktiv Ito report events, statements, or allegations without presenting them as established facts. This maintains journalistic objectivity and allows for deniability regarding the source's absolute truthfulness. Es wird berichtet, dass der Verdächtige noch heute verhört werde.(It is reported that the suspect will be questioned today.)Man nehme an, die Verhandlungen werden fortgesetzt.(It is assumed that the negotiations will be continued.)
- Academic and Scientific Writing: In research papers, abstracts, and summaries,
Passiv Konjunktiv Iis used to report findings, theories, or hypotheses from other sources. It ensures that the author is clearly differentiating their own contributions from those of previous studies or theories. In der Studie werde beschrieben, wie Zellen auf den Wirkstoff reagieren.(In the study, it is described how cells react to the active ingredient.)Es wird angenommen, dass die Hypothese durch neue Daten widerlegt werde.(It is assumed that the hypothesis will be refuted by new data.)
- Official Statements and Announcements: Governments, organizations, and businesses use this form in formal communications to convey decisions, plans, or changes without implying personal endorsement or direct action by the communicator. It maintains a degree of formality and institutional voice.
Die Bevölkerung werde gebeten, ruhig zu bleiben.(The population is asked to remain calm.)Es hieß, die Maßnahmen werden bald umgesetzt.(It was said that the measures will be implemented soon.)
- Legal and Administrative Texts: Court documents, contracts, and administrative decrees often use
Passiv Konjunktiv Ito outline conditions, obligations, or legal interpretations that are not direct commands but reported stipulations. Der Angeklagte werde als unschuldig betrachtet, bis das Gegenteil bewiesen sei.(The accused is considered innocent until proven otherwise.)
- Conveying Rumors or Unverified Information: In less formal (but still somewhat elevated) contexts, you can use
Passiv Konjunktiv Ito talk about rumors, gossip, or unverified claims. This maintains a clear distance from the information, signaling that you are not the source and cannot vouch for its accuracy. Es wird gemunkelt, dass neue Pläne für die Innenstadt entwickelt werden.(It is rumored that new plans for the city center are being developed.)
Passiv Konjunktiv I is the most appropriate and stylistically sophisticated choice in German. It allows for concise reporting while upholding a critical distance from the content's truth value.Common Mistakes
Passiv Konjunktiv I involves navigating several potential pitfalls. Learners frequently make errors that either change the meaning of the statement, introduce ambiguity, or sound ungrammatical. Awareness of these common mistakes and their underlying causes is crucial for accurate usage.- 1Confusion with
Indikativ Präsens Passiv: This is the most prevalent error. Learners often mistakenly use theIndikativ Präsens Passivforms (e.g.,wird,werden) instead of the correctKonjunktiv Iforms (e.g.,werde,werdest).
- Incorrect:
Er sagt, das Problem wird gelöst.(He says the problem is being solved.) – This implies the speaker fully endorses the statement as a fact, not a report. - Correct:
Er sagt, das Problem werde gelöst.(He says the problem be being solved / is being solved.) – This correctly signals reported speech and the speaker's distance.
Indikativ states a fact, Konjunktiv I reports a statement about a fact.- 1Ignoring Ambiguous
Konjunktiv IForms: As noted in the formation section,ich werde,wir werden, andsie/Sie werden(plural) are identical inIndikativandKonjunktiv I. Failing to substitute these with theirKonjunktiv IIequivalents (würde/würden) leads to ambiguity. The listener/reader cannot discern if it's a direct statement or reported speech.
- Ambiguous:
Man sagte, wir werden informiert.(It was said, we are informed / be informed.) – This could be interpreted as a direct statement. - Correct:
Man sagte, wir würden informiert.(It was said, we would be informed.) – Thewürdenclearly signals reported speech.
- 1Incorrect Placement of
Partizip II: In German clauses, thePartizip IIof the main verb in passive constructions always occupies the final position. Misplacing it, especially in complex sentences or subordinate clauses, is a common error.
- Incorrect:
Sie behaupteten, dass die Ware werde sofort versandt.(They claimed that the goods be immediately shipped.) - Correct:
Sie behaupteten, dass die Ware sofort versandt werde.(They claimed that the goods immediately be shipped.)
Konjunktiv I form of werden will appear at the end of the clause in main clauses, but the Partizip II is always the absolute last verbal element.- 1Overuse in Informal Contexts:
Passiv Konjunktiv Iis a highly formal construction. Using it in casual conversation, text messages, or informal emails sounds stiff, unnatural, and often pedantic. Learners sometimes employ it indiscriminately to prove mastery, but this can backfire stylistically.
- Awkward: (In a chat)
Es wird gesagt, der Kaffee werde morgen geliefert.(It is said that the coffee be delivered tomorrow.) - Natural:
Man hat gesagt, der Kaffee kommt morgen./Der Kaffee soll morgen kommen.(They said the coffee is coming tomorrow. / The coffee is supposed to come tomorrow.)
- 1Incorrect Agreement: Ensuring the
Konjunktiv Iform ofwerdenagrees in number and person with its subject is fundamental. Mistakes in conjugation lead to grammatical errors.
- Incorrect:
Es heißt, die Projekte werdet abgeschlossen.(It is said, the projects you all be finished.) - Correct:
Es heißt, die Projekte werden abgeschlossen.(It is said, the projects be finished.)
werden is an ambiguous form, it still needs to agree with the plural subject die Projekte.Passiv Konjunktiv I correctly and naturally.Real Conversations
While Passiv Konjunktiv I is undeniably a formal construction, its presence in German communication is not confined to obscure academic texts. It is an integral part of how information is presented in specific, crucial domains, even if you won't hear it daily over der Frühstückstisch (breakfast table).
In news broadcasts and print media, Passiv Konjunktiv I is pervasive. Listen to a German news report, and you will consistently encounter phrases like Es werde angenommen... (It is assumed...), Die Ursache werde noch ermittelt... (The cause is still being investigated...), or Der Schaden werde auf Millionen beziffert... (The damage is estimated at millions...). These are not merely textbook examples; they are the backbone of objective, reported journalism. For instance, a news article might state: Die Verhandlungen zwischen den Parteien werden fortgesetzt, nachdem eine Einigung in entscheidenden Punkten erzielt werde. (The negotiations between the parties will continue after an agreement on crucial points be reached.) This phrasing allows the journalist to report the outcome of negotiations from a source, rather than stating it as their own verified fact.
In professional emails or internal company announcements, especially in large, formal organizations, Passiv Konjunktiv I can appear when relaying decisions or instructions that originate from a higher authority or a committee. An HR announcement might read: Es wird darauf hingewiesen, dass die Richtlinien für Telearbeit ab nächster Woche angepasst werden. (It is pointed out that the guidelines for remote work be adjusted starting next week.) Here, the Konjunktiv I (werden) indicates that the information comes from an official policy, not the individual sender.
However, in casual conversations or informal digital communication (like texting or social media), Passiv Konjunktiv I is almost entirely absent. Native speakers use simpler, more direct alternatives to convey reported speech or rumors in these contexts:
- Instead of: Es wird gemunkelt, dass die Preise erhöht werden. (It is rumored that the prices be increased.)
- Casual Alternative: Man munkelt, dass die Preise erhöht werden. (People rumor that the prices are being increased.) or Angeblich werden die Preise erhöht. (Allegedly, the prices are being increased.) or even Die Preise sollen erhöht werden. (The prices are supposed to be increased.)
The phrase sollen + Infinitiv is a very common informal substitute for Konjunktiv I when reporting unconfirmed information, as in Die Preise sollen erhöht werden. (The prices are said to be increased / are supposed to be increased.) This construction achieves a similar effect of distancing without the formality of Konjunktiv I.
Understanding where Passiv Konjunktiv I does and does not appear is as important as knowing its formation. While it’s a formal structure, recognizing it is crucial for interpreting German news and official communications, and using it appropriately is a mark of advanced language proficiency.
Quick FAQ
Passiv Konjunktiv I frequently used in everyday spoken German?No, it is primarily a feature of formal written German, such as news reports, academic papers, and official announcements. In everyday conversation, native speakers typically opt for simpler reporting clauses or modal particles like sollen to convey reported speech and maintain distance from the information.
Passiv Konjunktiv I instead of Passiv Indikativ?The main purpose is to signal that the information being presented is reported speech and not a confirmed fact endorsed by the speaker. It allows for linguistic distancing, conveying that the information originates from an external source (hearsay, rumor, official report) without the speaker taking responsibility for its truthfulness. This is crucial for objectivity in journalism or academic writing.
Konjunktiv I forms of werden that are identical to Indikativ forms (e.g., ich werde, wir werden)?For these ambiguous forms, it is standard practice to substitute the corresponding Konjunktiv II form of werden, which is würden (e.g., ich würde, wir würden, sie/Sie würden). This substitution ensures clarity and leaves no doubt that reported speech is intended, preventing misinterpretation by the listener or reader.
Passiv Konjunktiv I be used for past events?Yes, but this involves the Konjunktiv I Perfekt Passiv (e.g., sei geschrieben worden). This construction is significantly more complex and is typically introduced at a C1 level due to its intricate formation and the high potential for error. For B2 learners, focus on mastering the present tense Passiv Konjunktiv I first.
Passiv Konjunktiv I always require a dass-clause?Not necessarily. While it frequently appears in dass-clauses (where the conjugated verb moves to the end), it can also be used in main clauses following a reporting verb or implied reporting context (e.g., Man sagt, der Bericht werde fertiggestellt.). The Konjunktiv I form itself provides the signal for reported speech, irrespective of the clause structure.
Passiv Konjunktiv I compare to using sollen + Infinitiv for reported speech?Both constructions convey reported speech and distance from the source. However, Passiv Konjunktiv I is generally much more formal and objective, often found in written news or academic contexts. Sollen + Infinitiv (Er soll krank sein.) is more common in spoken German and often carries a connotation of rumor or less substantiated information, making it slightly less formal than Konjunktiv I.
The intricate system, particularly the use of Konjunktiv I and II, allows for precise distinctions regarding the source of information, the speaker's stance on its truthfulness, and the perceived likelihood of the reported event. This linguistic precision reflects a deep concern with evidentiality – the indication of the source of one's knowledge – which is a hallmark of German grammatical structure.
Konjunktiv I Passive (Perfect)
| Person | Auxiliary | Participle | Passive Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ich
|
sei
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
|
du
|
seiest
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
|
er/sie/es
|
sei
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
|
wir
|
seien
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
|
ihr
|
seiet
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
|
sie/Sie
|
seien
|
gemacht
|
worden
|
Meanings
This construction allows you to report passive actions mentioned by others while maintaining a neutral, journalistic distance.
Journalistic Reporting
Used in news to report passive events without taking responsibility for the truth.
“Die {die|f} Polizei meldet, der {der|m} Täter sei gefasst worden.”
“Es wird gesagt, die {die|f} Brücke sei gestern gesperrt worden.”
Professional Distance
Used in business to report on processes or status updates.
“Der {der|m} Chef meinte, die {die|f} E-Mails seien bereits verschickt worden.”
“Die {die|f} Abteilung sagt, die {die|f} Daten seien analysiert worden.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
sei + Partizip II + worden
|
Er sagt, es sei gemacht worden.
|
|
Negative
|
sei + nicht + Partizip II + worden
|
Er sagt, es sei nicht gemacht worden.
|
|
Question
|
sei + Subjekt + Partizip II + worden?
|
Fragt er, ob es gemacht worden sei?
|
|
Plural
|
seien + Partizip II + worden
|
Sie sagen, sie seien gemacht worden.
|
Formality Spectrum
Es wurde berichtet, der {der|m} Bericht sei fertiggestellt worden. (Work report)
Man sagt, der {der|m} Bericht sei fertig. (Work report)
Sie meinten, der {der|m} Bericht ist fertig. (Work report)
Angeblich ist der {der|m} Bericht fertig. (Work report)
Indirect Speech Flow
Direct
- ist gemacht is done
Indirect
- sei gemacht worden is said to be done
Examples by Level
Das {das|n} Haus wird gebaut.
The house is being built.
Er sagt, das {das|n} Haus sei gebaut worden.
He says the house was built.
Die {die|f} Zeitung schreibt, das {das|n} Gesetz sei geändert worden.
The newspaper writes that the law was changed.
Der {der|m} Manager behauptet, die {die|f} Verträge seien unterschrieben worden.
The manager claims the contracts were signed.
Es wurde berichtet, die {die|f} Beweise seien vernichtet worden, was die {die|f} Ermittlungen erschwere.
It was reported that the evidence was destroyed, which complicates the investigation.
Man ließ verlauten, die {die|f} Maßnahmen seien bereits vor Wochen eingeleitet worden, um die {die|f} Krise abzuwenden.
It was announced that the measures had been initiated weeks ago to avert the crisis.
Easily Confused
Learners mix them up when reporting past events.
Common Mistakes
Er sagt, es ist gemacht.
Er sagt, es sei gemacht worden.
Es sei gemacht.
Es sei gemacht worden.
Sie sagen, sie sind gemacht worden.
Sie sagen, sie seien gemacht worden.
Er sagte, es sei gemacht worden.
Er sagte, es wäre gemacht worden.
Sentence Patterns
Man sagt, die {die|f} ___ sei ___ worden.
Real World Usage
Der {der|m} Täter sei gefasst worden.
The 'Worden' Rule
Smart Tips
Always use Konjunktiv I.
Pronunciation
Sei
Pronounced like 'zeye'.
Reporting tone
Er sagt, | es sei gemacht worden. |
Pause after the reporting verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Sei is the key to hearsay.
Visual Association
Imagine a reporter holding a microphone with a 'SEI' label on it, pointing at a wall that was built by someone else.
Rhyme
Wenn du nur hörst, was andere sagen, musst du 'sei' in den Satz tragen.
Story
The gossip queen Maria says the cake was eaten. She says: 'Der {der|m} Kuchen sei gegessen worden.' Everyone knows Maria just loves to spread rumors.
Word Web
Challenge
Find a news article, pick one passive sentence, and rewrite it as if you are telling a friend what the article said.
Cultural Notes
Journalists use this to avoid lawsuits by not stating rumors as facts.
Derived from the Latin subjunctive, used to express non-factual statements.
Conversation Starters
Was hat der {der|m} Chef über das {das|n} Projekt gesagt?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Er sagt, das {das|n} Auto ___ ___ worden.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercisesEr sagt, das {das|n} Auto ___ ___ worden.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercisesMan sagt, der Dieb ___ gefasst.
He says the work is being done.
How would a formal newspaper report a tax increase?
Sie behauptet, das Paket werde heute geschickt.
Match these forms:
sagt / er / werde / gerufen / er
They say the windows are being cleaned.
Man sagt, du ___ beobachtet.
She says the car is being sold.
Er sagt, die Pizza werde essen.
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
To show you are reporting someone else's words.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjuntivo
Spanish uses it more broadly for emotions.
Subjonctif
German uses it specifically for reported speech.
Sou/Rashii
German conjugates the verb.
Indirect speech markers
German uses mood changes.
Ting shuo
German changes the verb form.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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