B2 Verb Moods 13 min read Medium

Passive with Modals: It Must Be Done

To express what must, can, or should be done, conjugate the modal verb and put 'Partizip II + werden' at the end.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the modal passive to express that something is required, possible, or allowed without focusing on who does the action.

  • Start with the object that receives the action.
  • Use the modal verb (können, müssen, sollen, etc.) in the correct position.
  • End the sentence with 'werden' + 'Partizip II'.
Object + Modal Verb + [Rest] + Partizip II + werden

Overview

The German modal passive, or Modalverb mit Passiv, is a grammatical structure essential for reaching fluency at the B2 level. It combines the function of a modal verb (expressing necessity, possibility, permission, or obligation) with the passive voice (which focuses on an action rather than the person performing it). The result is a sophisticated and common way to discuss what must, can, or should be done to something, without needing to name the agent.

You'll encounter it constantly in professional emails, academic papers, official instructions, and news reports.

At its core, this structure answers the question, "What needs to happen to this object?" Consider the difference. An active sentence, Ein Techniker muss das System aktualisieren (A technician must update the system), focuses on the technician. The passive equivalent, Das System muss aktualisiert werden (The system must be updated), shifts the focus entirely to the system and the necessity of the action.

The agent (Ein Techniker) becomes irrelevant and is usually omitted. This detachment makes the modal passive a cornerstone of formal, objective, and polite communication in German.

Mastering this isn't just about learning a new sentence formula; it's about understanding a different way of framing information. It allows you to speak and write with more precision and nuance, moving away from simple, direct statements to more complex and contextually appropriate expressions. It’s the difference between saying "Someone has to clean the kitchen" and the more impersonal, rule-oriented statement, "The kitchen must be cleaned."

How This Grammar Works

To understand the modal passive, you must first understand the two core components: the passive voice and modal verbs. The standard German passive (Vorgangspassiv) is formed with the auxiliary verb werden and a past participle (Partizip II). For example: Das Auto wird gewaschen (The car is being washed).
When a modal verb (müssen, können, sollen, dürfen, wollen) enters the sentence, it takes over the primary verb role. In a main clause, the modal verb is conjugated and occupies the second position (V2 rule). The verb that was previously conjugated, werden, is pushed to the very end of the clause in its infinitive form.
The past participle of the main action verb sits right before it.
This creates a characteristic "verb bracket" (Klammer) that frames the sentence. The conjugated modal verb opens the bracket, and the two infinitives (Partizip II + werden) close it.
Let's trace the transformation:
  1. 1Active Sentence: Der Arzt untersucht den(m) Patienten. (The doctor examines the patient.)
  2. 2Simple Passive: Der Patient wird (vom Arzt) untersucht. (The patient is examined (by the doctor).)
  3. 3Active with Modal: Der Arzt muss den(m) Patienten untersuchen. (The doctor must examine the patient.)
  4. 4Passive with Modal: Der Patient muss untersucht werden. (The patient must be examined.)
Notice the mechanics in step 4. The modal muss takes position 2 and is conjugated to match the new subject, der Patient. The original passive auxiliary werden moves to the end as an infinitive.
The logical object of the active sentence (den Patienten) has become the grammatical subject of the passive sentence (der Patient). This syntactic shift is the key to the entire structure. The modal adds a layer of meaning (necessity, in this case), but the fundamental passive transformation—object becoming subject—remains the same.

Formation Pattern

1
Building sentences with the modal passive follows a strict but reliable formula. Once you internalize the word order for different clause types, it becomes a predictable pattern.
2
The Core Components:
3
Subject: The noun receiving the action (in the nominative case).
4
Conjugated Modal Verb: The modal verb (muss, kann, soll, etc.) in position 2 of a main clause.
5
Mid-field (optional): Adverbials of time, manner, or place (e.g., heute, sorgfältig).
6
Past Participle (Partizip II): The action verb in its ge- form (e.g., gemacht, gesehen).
7
Infinitive werden: Always appears at the very end of the main clause.
8
Sentence Structure in the Present Tense
9
This table shows the word order for main clauses, questions, and subordinate clauses.
10
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example | Translation |
11
|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
12
| Main Clause | Subject + Modal + ... + Partizip II + werden. | Das Paket muss heute noch verschickt werden. | The package must be sent today. |
13
| Yes/No Question | Modal + Subject + ... + Partizip II + werden? | Kann die Datei jetzt geöffnet werden? | Can the file be opened now? |
14
| W-Question | W-Word + Modal + Subject + ... + Partizip II + werden? | Wann soll der Bericht abgegeben werden? | When should the report be handed in? |
15
| Subordinate Clause | ..., weil/dass + Subject + ... + Partizip II + werden + Modal. | Ich warte, weil der Vertrag noch unterschrieben werden muss. | I'm waiting because the contract still has to be signed. |
16
The subordinate clause structure is often challenging. Remember: the conjugated verb is always last. In this case, it's the modal verb. This creates a distinctive three-verb pile-up at the end: Past Participle + werden + Modal Verb.
17
Sentence Structure in the Past (Präteritum)
18
For past tense, you simply use the Präteritum (simple past) form of the modal verb. All other parts of the sentence remain identical. This is the most common and recommended way to form the past modal passive. The Perfekt tense exists but is far more complex and rarely used in speech.
19
| Tense | Pattern | Example |
20
|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|
21
| Present | Die Rechnung muss bezahlt werden. | The bill must be paid. |
22
| Präteritum | Die Rechnung musste bezahlt werden. | The bill had to be paid. |
23
| Present | Der Fehler kann nicht reproduziert werden. | The error cannot be reproduced. |
24
| Präteritum | Der Fehler konnte nicht reproduziert werden. | The error could not be reproduced. |
25
Modal Verb Meanings in the Passive Voice
26
| Modal Verb | Meaning | Example |
27
|------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
28
| müssen | Necessity, obligation | Das Visum muss beantragt werden. (The visa must be applied for.) |
29
| können | Possibility, ability | Die Nachricht kann gelöscht werden. (The message can be deleted.) |
30
| sollen | Recommendation, duty, reported command | Die Medikamente sollen nach dem Essen eingenommen werden. (The medication should be taken after the meal.) |
31
| dürfen | Permission (or prohibition with nicht) | Hier darf nicht geraucht werden. (Smoking is not permitted here.) |
32
| wollen | Intention (rare in passive) | Das Projekt soll / muss beendet werden. (wollte is almost never used here) |

When To Use It

This structure is not an academic curiosity; it is a workhorse of German communication, especially in contexts requiring formality, objectivity, or politeness.
1. Rules, Laws, and Instructions
This is the classic use case. The modal passive is the voice of authority without a face. It's used on signs, in user manuals, and for official regulations.
  • Der Sicherheitsgurt muss angelegt werden. (The seatbelt must be fastened.)
  • Das Formular kann online ausgefüllt werden. (The form can be filled out online.)
  • Die Notausgänge dürfen nicht blockiert werden. (The emergency exits may not be blocked.)
2. Professional and Academic Writing
In business reports, emails, and academic papers, objectivity is key. The modal passive allows you to discuss necessary actions or findings without using personal pronouns like wir or man, which can sound too informal.
  • Die Ergebnisse müssen noch verifiziert werden. (The results must still be verified.)
  • Aus diesen Daten kann abgeleitet werden, dass... (From this data, it can be deduced that...)
  • Es sollte darauf hingewiesen werden, dass die Studie Grenzen hat. (It should be pointed out that the study has limitations.)
3. Polite Requests and Softening Commands
In a workplace or service context, directly ordering someone to do something can sound harsh. The modal passive shifts the focus to the task itself, making the request feel less like a personal demand.
  • Direct/Active: Sie müssen den(m) Bericht bis Freitag fertigstellen. (You must finish the report by Friday.)
  • Indirect/Passive: Der Bericht muss bis Freitag fertiggestellt werden. (The report must be finished by Friday.)
The second version is more collaborative and less confrontational. It implies a shared understanding that the task has a deadline, rather than a top-down order.
4. Discussing Possibilities and Processes
When explaining how something works or what options are available, the modal passive is perfect for describing potential actions.
  • Das Passwort kann jederzeit geändert werden. (The password can be changed at any time.)
  • Nach der Installation muss der Computer neu gestartet werden. (After installation, the computer must be restarted.)
  • Der Flug kann bis 24 Stunden vor Abflug kostenlos storniert werden. (The flight can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.)

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B2 level often understand the concept but fall into predictable traps during execution. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting werden
This is the most frequent mistake, often made by analogy with English ("It must be done"). The werden is not optional; it is the core indicator of the passive voice action.
  • ✗ Incorrect: Die E-Mail muss sofort geschickt.
  • ✓ Correct: Die E-Mail muss sofort geschickt werden.
2. Using sein instead of werden
This error confuses the actional passive (Vorgangspassiv with werden) with the state passive (Zustandspassiv with sein). Sein describes a completed state or result, while werden describes the process or action itself.
  • ✗ Incorrect: Der Bug muss gefixt sein. (This means: "The bug must be in a fixed state.")
  • ✓ Correct: Der Bug muss gefixt werden. (This means: "The action of fixing the bug must happen.")
3. Incorrect Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
The verb cluster at the end of a weil or dass clause is a major hurdle. Learners often forget to move the conjugated modal verb to the absolute final position.
  • ✗ Incorrect: Ich weiß, dass das Auto muss repariert werden.
  • ✗ Incorrect: Ich weiß, dass das Auto repariert werden muss.
  • ✓ Correct: Ich weiß, dass das Auto repariert werden muss. (The order is always: Participle + werden + conjugated Modal)
4. Overusing the Perfekt Tense
While a Perfekt tense for the modal passive technically exists (Das Auto hat repariert werden müssen), it is cumbersome and very rarely used in spoken German. It is sometimes seen in very formal writing. For past events, always default to the Präteritum of the modal verb.
  • ✗ Awkward/Rare: Der Antrag hat gestern eingereicht werden müssen.
  • ✓ Natural/Common: Der Antrag musste gestern eingereicht werden.
5. Confusing it with Passive Substitutes
The modal passive is not the only way to express these ideas. It's crucial to distinguish it from similar structures.
  • With man: Man muss die Regeln befolgen. (One must follow the rules.) This is more active and slightly more informal than the passive version: Die Regeln müssen befolgt werden.
  • With sich lassen: Das Problem lässt sich leicht lösen. (The problem can be easily solved.) This is a common and elegant alternative to Das Problem kann leicht gelöst werden. The sich lassen structure emphasizes inherent possibility.

Real Conversations

Here’s how this grammar appears in everyday contexts, from professional to casual.

S

Scenario 1

Workplace Email
B

Betreff

Nächste Schritte für Projekt Phoenix

Hallo Team,

danke für das produktive Meeting heute. Als Nächstes muss der Prototyp bis zum 15.03. fertiggestellt werden. Die Dokumentation sollte parallel dazu aktualisiert werden. Beachtet bitte, dass alle Änderungen im System protokolliert werden müssen.

Beste Grüße,

Alex

A

Analysis

The email uses the modal passive to assign tasks and state requirements objectively. It feels like a standard procedure, not a personal order from Alex.*
S

Scenario 2

Public Announcement on a Train

(Durchsage im Zug)

"Sehr geehrte Fahrgäste, aufgrund einer Weichenstörung wird sich unsere Ankunft um ca. 20 Minuten verzögern. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis. In Kürze kann unser Bordbistro wieder geöffnet werden."

A

Analysis

kann ... geöffnet werden informs passengers about a future possibility. The agent (the employee who will open it) is irrelevant to the passengers.*
S

Scenario 3

Texting with a Friend about a Party
A

Anna

Hey, was ist mit der Party am Samstag? Geht das klar?
B

Ben

Ja, aber es gibt noch viel zu tun. Die Getränke müssen noch gekauft werden. Und es muss noch aufgeräumt werden!
A

Anna

Ok, ich kann die Getränke holen. Kannst du aufräumen?
B

Ben

Ja, passt.
A

Analysis

Ben uses the modal passive (müssen gekauft werden, muss aufgeräumt werden) to list necessary tasks impersonally before they decide who does what. It's a way of creating a shared to-do list.*
S

Scenario 4

IT Support Website

"Problem: Ich habe mein Passwort vergessen."

"Lösung: Ein neues Passwort kann über den 'Passwort vergessen?'-Link angefordert werden. Aus Sicherheitsgründen darf das alte Passwort nicht wiederverwendet werden."

A

Analysis

This is a perfect example of instructional language. kann ... angefordert werden describes a possibility, while darf nicht ... wiederverwendet werden states a firm rule.*

Quick FAQ

Q: How do I choose between the Präteritum and Perfekt for the past tense?

Always choose the Präteritum of the modal verb (musste, konnte, sollte, etc.). For example: Das Fenster musste geschlossen werden. The Perfekt form (hat ... geschlossen werden müssen) is grammatically correct but extremely rare in practice and sounds overly formal or bureaucratic.

Q: Do I ever conjugate werden or the past participle?

No. In this structure, the modal verb is the only verb that gets conjugated. The past participle has a fixed form, and werden is always the infinitive at the end of a main clause.

Q: Can I include the person who performs the action (the agent)?

Yes, although it's less common. The agent is added using von + Dative. The instrument or cause is added with durch + Accusative.

  • Der Brief muss von der Sekretärin unterschrieben werden. (The letter must be signed by the secretary.)
  • Das Schloss kann nur durch einen speziellen Schlüssel geöffnet werden. (The lock can only be opened by means of a special key.)
Q: What's the real difference between using the modal passive and just using man?

Focus and formality.

  • Die Tür muss geschlossen werden. (Passive) -> Formal, objective. The focus is on the door and the rule.
  • Man muss die Tür schließen. (Active with man) -> More direct, slightly less formal. The focus is on the general obligation of 'someone' to do the action.
In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but the passive often sounds more polished and official.
Q: Is wollen (to want to) used in the passive voice with modals?

It's very rare and often sounds strange. A sentence like Das Projekt will beendet werden would imply the project itself has intentions. Germans would almost always use soll or muss instead to express that a project is intended to be finished (Das Projekt soll beendet werden).

Modal Passive Formation

Subject (Object) Modal Verb Rest Partizip II werden
Das {das|n} Auto
muss
heute
repariert
werden
Die {die|f} Tür
kann
jetzt
geöffnet
werden
Die {die|f} Aufgaben
sollen
bis morgen
erledigt
werden
Das {das|n} Paket
darf
nicht
geöffnet
werden
Der {der|m} Brief
muss
schnell
geschrieben
werden
Die {die|f} Regeln
müssen
beachtet
werden

Meanings

This structure is used when the focus is on the action itself rather than the person performing it, combined with a modal nuance like necessity or possibility.

1

Necessity

Something is required to be done.

“Die {die|f} Rechnung muss bezahlt werden.”

“Das {das|n} Auto muss repariert werden.”

2

Possibility/Permission

Something can or is allowed to be done.

“Das {das|n} Problem kann gelöst werden.”

“Hier darf nicht geraucht werden.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Passive with Modals: It Must Be Done
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Obj + Modal + Rest + Part II + werden
Das {das|n} Haus muss gebaut werden.
Negative
Obj + Modal + nicht + Rest + Part II + werden
Das {das|n} Haus muss nicht gebaut werden.
Question
Modal + Obj + Rest + Part II + werden?
Muss das {das|n} Haus gebaut werden?
Past (Modal)
Obj + Modal(Präteritum) + Rest + Part II + werden
Das {das|n} Haus musste gebaut werden.
Perfect (Modal)
Obj + Modal + Rest + Part II + werden + haben
Das {das|n} Haus hat gebaut werden müssen.
Passive + Konjunktiv II
Obj + Modal(Konj II) + Rest + Part II + werden
Das {das|n} Haus müsste gebaut werden.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertiggestellt werden.

Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertiggestellt werden. (Workplace)

Neutral
Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertig gemacht werden.

Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertig gemacht werden. (Workplace)

Informal
Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertig sein.

Der {der|m} Bericht muss fertig sein. (Workplace)

Slang
Der {der|m} Bericht muss endlich fertig!

Der {der|m} Bericht muss endlich fertig! (Workplace)

Modal Passive Components

Modal Passive

Modal Verbs

  • müssen must
  • können can
  • sollen should

Passive Core

  • Partizip II Past Participle
  • werden become/be
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Examples by Level

1

Das {das|n} Buch muss gelesen werden.

The book must be read.

2

Die {die|f} Tür kann geöffnet werden.

The door can be opened.

3

Das {das|n} Wasser muss getrunken werden.

The water must be drunk.

4

Der {der|m} Apfel kann gegessen werden.

The apple can be eaten.

1

Darf das {das|n} Licht ausgeschaltet werden?

May the light be turned off?

2

Die {die|f} Hausaufgabe muss nicht gemacht werden.

The homework does not have to be done.

3

Kann das {das|n} Fenster geschlossen werden?

Can the window be closed?

4

Das {das|n} Paket muss heute abgeholt werden.

The package must be picked up today.

1

Der {der|m} Bericht soll bis Freitag fertiggestellt werden.

The report should be finished by Friday.

2

Das {das|n} Auto muss in die Werkstatt gebracht werden.

The car must be taken to the garage.

3

Hier darf nicht geparkt werden.

Parking is not allowed here.

4

Die {die|f} Entscheidung muss gut überlegt werden.

The decision must be well considered.

1

Die {die|f} Sicherheitsvorschriften müssen strikt eingehalten werden.

The safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.

2

Das {das|n} Problem könnte durch neue Software gelöst werden.

The problem could be solved by new software.

3

Es muss sichergestellt werden, dass alle informiert sind.

It must be ensured that everyone is informed.

4

Die {die|f} Ware muss sofort versendet werden.

The goods must be shipped immediately.

1

Die {die|f} Hypothese müsste durch weitere Daten gestützt werden.

The hypothesis would have to be supported by further data.

2

Es sollte darauf geachtet werden, dass keine Fehler entstehen.

Care should be taken that no errors occur.

3

Die {die|f} Verträge müssten eigentlich schon unterzeichnet worden sein.

The contracts should actually have been signed by now.

4

Das {das|n} Gesetz muss konsequent angewendet werden.

The law must be applied consistently.

1

Es sei darauf hingewiesen, dass die {die|f} Frist nicht verlängert werden kann.

It should be pointed out that the deadline cannot be extended.

2

Die {die|f} Maßnahmen müssen im Hinblick auf die {die|f} Nachhaltigkeit bewertet werden.

The measures must be evaluated with regard to sustainability.

3

Dass die {die|f} Entscheidung revidiert werden muss, steht außer Frage.

That the decision must be revised is beyond question.

4

Die {die|f} Ergebnisse müssen sorgfältig analysiert werden, um die {die|f} Validität zu gewährleisten.

The results must be carefully analyzed to ensure validity.

Easily Confused

Passive with Modals: It Must Be Done vs Standard Passive vs. Modal Passive

Learners often add a modal verb when it's not needed or omit it when it is.

Common Mistakes

✗

Das {das|n} muss gemacht.

✓

Das {das|n} muss gemacht werden.

Missing the auxiliary 'werden' at the end.
✗

Das {das|n} wird muss gemacht.

✓

Das {das|n} muss gemacht werden.

Incorrect word order.
✗

Das {das|n} muss gemacht haben.

✓

Das {das|n} muss gemacht werden.

Using 'haben' instead of 'werden'.
✗

Das {das|n} soll gemacht worden.

✓

Das {das|n} soll gemacht werden.

Incorrect participle usage for present passive.

Sentence Patterns

Das ___ muss ___ werden.

Kann die ___ ___ werden?

Real World Usage

Workplace Email very common

Der {der|m} Bericht muss bis morgen fertiggestellt werden.

Technical Manual constant

Der {der|m} Filter muss monatlich gereinigt werden.

Traffic Signs common

Hier darf nicht geparkt werden.

Job Interview occasional

Die {die|f} Herausforderung muss professionell gelöst werden.

Food Delivery App common

Die {die|f} Bestellung muss innerhalb von 30 Minuten geliefert werden.

Social Media occasional

Das {das|n} Video muss unbedingt geteilt werden!

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💡

The 'Werden' Anchor

Always think of 'werden' as the anchor at the end of the sentence. It never moves.
⚠️

Don't forget the Participle

Ensure you use the Partizip II (e.g., gemacht, gebaut) and not the infinitive.
🎯

Formal Tone

Use this structure to sound more professional in your German emails.
💬

Object Focus

Germans love focusing on the object in professional settings. This is your best friend.

Smart Tips

Use the modal passive to focus on the task, not the person.

Ich muss den Bericht schreiben. → Der {der|m} Bericht muss geschrieben werden.

Always use the modal passive for safety and clarity.

Du musst den Knopf drücken. → Der {der|m} Knopf muss gedrückt werden.

Use the passive to avoid guessing the actor.

Jemand muss das Fenster öffnen. → Das {das|n} Fenster muss geöffnet werden.

Use the modal passive to state rules objectively.

Man darf hier nicht rauchen. → Hier darf nicht geraucht werden.

Pronunciation

Der Bericht muss fertigge-STELLT werden.

Emphasis

The emphasis is usually on the Partizip II.

Statement

Das muss ge-MACHT werden. ↘

Falling intonation for facts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Modal at the start, Participle in the middle, 'werden' at the end — that's the passive friend!

Visual Association

Imagine a conveyor belt. The object is on the belt (Subject). The Modal Verb is the motor (Position 2). The Participle is the product. The word 'werden' is the final stamp at the end of the belt.

Rhyme

Modal in the middle, Participle too, end with 'werden' to make it true.

Story

A robot factory. The robot (Object) must be built (muss gebaut werden). The manager says: 'Der Roboter muss gebaut werden.' The workers follow the rule. The robot is finished.

Word Web

müssenkönnensollendürfenwerdenPartizip II

Challenge

Look at 3 objects in your room and write a sentence for each using the modal passive (e.g., 'Das {das|n} Fenster muss geputzt werden').

Cultural Notes

Germans value efficiency and clarity. Using the modal passive in emails shows you are focused on the task.

Forms and rules are everywhere. You will see this on every sign.

Manuals use this to ensure safety.

The passive voice evolved from the need to describe actions without naming the agent, common in Germanic languages.

Conversation Starters

“

Was muss heute noch erledigt werden?

“

Kann das {das|n} Problem einfach gelöst werden?

“

Darf hier geraucht werden?

“

Sollte das {das|n} Gesetz geändert werden?

Journal Prompts

Write about your daily chores using the modal passive.
Describe a rule at your workplace or school.
What needs to be changed in your city?
Discuss a complex technical process.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct form.

Das {das|n} Auto muss ___ werden.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: repariert
Needs Partizip II.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das muss gemacht werden.
Correct word order.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das muss gemacht werden.
Correct structure.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Das {das|n} Haus muss gebaut.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Add 'werden'
Passive needs 'werden'.
Transform to passive. Sentence Transformation

Man muss den {der|m} Brief schreiben.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Der {der|m} Brief muss geschrieben werden.
Correct passive transformation.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Muss die {die|f} Tür zu? B: Ja, die {die|f} Tür ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: muss geschlossen werden
Correct modal passive.
Sort the parts. Grammar Sorting

Sort: werden, muss, Das, repariert, Auto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Auto muss repariert werden.
Correct order.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It must be done.
Correct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct form.

Das {das|n} Auto muss ___ werden.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: repariert
Needs Partizip II.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das muss gemacht werden.
Correct word order.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

werden / muss / Das / gemacht / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das muss gemacht werden.
Correct structure.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Das {das|n} Haus muss gebaut.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Add 'werden'
Passive needs 'werden'.
Transform to passive. Sentence Transformation

Man muss den {der|m} Brief schreiben.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Der {der|m} Brief muss geschrieben werden.
Correct passive transformation.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Muss die {die|f} Tür zu? B: Ja, die {die|f} Tür ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: muss geschlossen werden
Correct modal passive.
Sort the parts. Grammar Sorting

Sort: werden, muss, Das, repariert, Auto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Auto muss repariert werden.
Correct order.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match: 'Das muss gemacht werden.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It must be done.
Correct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Der Bug ________ heute gefixt werden.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: muss
Select the correct version of this flawed sentence. Error Correction

Das Auto musste gestern repariert sein.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Auto musste gestern repariert werden.
Reorder the words to form a correct main clause. Sentence Reorder

werden / Das Passwort / zurückgesetzt / muss

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Passwort muss zurückgesetzt werden.
Choose the best German translation. Translation

The post can be deleted.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Der Post kann gelöscht werden.
Identify the correct past tense sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence correctly says 'The email had to be written'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die E-Mail musste geschrieben werden.
Match the modal meaning with the context. Match Pairs

Match appropriately:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: muss gemacht werden
Conjugate the modal for the past tense. Fill in the Blank

Das Meeting ________ verschoben werden, weil der Chef krank war.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: musste
Fix the subordinate clause. Error Correction

Ich weiß, dass die App heruntergeladen muss werden.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich weiß, dass die App heruntergeladen werden muss.
Translate into German. Translation

The rules must be followed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die Regeln müssen befolgt werden.
Form a valid question. Sentence Reorder

darf / geteilt / Das Video / werden / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Darf das Video geteilt werden?

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It's a bit formal, but you can use it if you want to sound objective.

The sentence will sound incomplete and grammatically incorrect.

No, the modal passive adds a modal nuance like necessity.

Yes, you can use können, sollen, dürfen, wollen, etc.

Yes, just put the modal in Präteritum: 'Das musste gemacht werden.'

Extremely common in professional and technical contexts.

The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.

The structure is standard across all German-speaking regions.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Se debe hacer

German uses a specific auxiliary 'werden' at the end.

French high

Il doit être fait

German word order is more rigid with the final 'werden'.

Japanese low

～なければならない

German is analytical; Japanese is agglutinative.

Arabic moderate

يجب أن يُفعل

German uses modal + infinitive construction.

Chinese moderate

必须被做

German conjugates the modal verb.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
German Impersonal Passive: Actions Without Subjects (Es wird getanzt)
Next
Reflexive Passive: "sich lassen" and Passive Substitutes

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