B1 Verb Tenses 21 min read Easy

Statal Passive: The 'Done' State (Zustandspassiv)

Use Statal Passive (sein + Participle) to describe the finished state of things, like a snapshot after the action.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The Statal Passive describes the result of an action rather than the action itself.

  • Use 'sein' + past participle: 'Die Tür ist geschlossen' (The door is closed).
  • It focuses on the state, not the person performing the action.
  • It is the opposite of the 'Vorgangspassiv' (Action Passive) which uses 'werden'.
Subject + sein + Partizip II

Overview

The Statal Passive, known in German as the Zustandspassiv, describes the result or state of an action. Unlike the Process Passive (Vorgangspassiv), which focuses on an action as it unfolds, the Zustandspassiv presents a snapshot of a completed action's outcome. It answers the question "What is the state now?" rather than "What is happening?" or "What was done?".

This distinction highlights a fundamental aspect of German grammar: its precision in differentiating between a process and its resulting state, a nuance often less explicit in English. For instance, while "The door is closed" can ambiguously refer to an ongoing action or a static condition in English, German clarifies this with Die Tür wird geschlossen (the action of closing) versus Die Tür ist geschlossen (the state of being closed). This grammatical structure is indispensable for conveying current conditions and completed tasks.

You will find it commonly used in everyday descriptions, status updates, and reporting on final conditions. Its primary function is to express a resultant state without emphasizing the agent who performed the action. Essentially, it describes what is rather than what is being done.

This clear differentiation is key to understanding and mastering intermediate German. Mastery of this concept will significantly improve your ability to communicate nuanced meanings. You will learn to articulate the precise aftermath of an event, separating it from the event itself.

Conjugation Table

Person/Number Präsens (Present) Präteritum (Simple Past) Perfekt (Present Perfect) Plusquamperfekt (Past Perfect) Futur I (Future)
:-------------- :--------------------- :------------------------- :------------------------------ :------------------------------- :-------------------------------
ich bin gemacht war gemacht bin gemacht gewesen war gemacht gewesen werde gemacht sein
du bist gemacht warst gemacht bist gemacht gewesen warst gemacht gewesen wirst gemacht sein
er/sie/es ist gemacht war gemacht ist gemacht gewesen war gemacht gewesen wird gemacht sein
wir sind gemacht waren gemacht sind gemacht gewesen waren gemacht gewesen werden gemacht sein
ihr seid gemacht wart gemacht seid gemacht gewesen wart gemacht gewesen werdet gemacht sein
sie/Sie sind gemacht waren gemacht sind gemacht gewesen waren gemacht gewesen werden gemacht sein

How This Grammar Works

At its core, the Zustandspassiv functions by transforming the result of a transitive verb's action into an adjectival description of the subject's current state. The key lies in the auxiliary verb sein, which denotes being or existence, contrasted with werden (to become), which signifies a process or change. When you use sein with a Partizip II, you are essentially stating that the subject is in a certain condition, a condition brought about by a previous action.
For instance, Das Fenster ist geöffnet means "The window is in an opened state," not that someone is in the process of opening it. The Partizip II here behaves much like an adjective. Consider Das Haus ist alt (The house is old), where alt is an adjective.
In Das Haus ist gebaut (The house is built), gebaut (built) also describes a quality of the house, a quality resulting from the action of bauen (to build). This adjectival quality is why the Partizip II does not decline or agree with the subject in gender or number, unlike true adjectives that would precede the noun. Its fixed form streamlines sentence construction.
This structural choice reflects a German preference for clear linguistic demarcation between active events and their passive outcomes. You should think of sein as the static anchor and the Partizip II as the descriptor of the achieved state. This grammatical mechanism allows for concise communication of completed actions and their lasting effects.
It implicitly removes the focus from the doer of the action. The attention is solely on the object and its condition, making it particularly useful in formal or objective reporting. Understanding this adjectival function is fundamental to correctly applying and comprehending the Zustandspassiv in various contexts.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of the Zustandspassiv is straightforward and follows a consistent pattern. You combine the appropriate conjugated form of sein with the Partizip II of a transitive verb. Remember, only transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object) can form a passive voice, as the direct object becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The Partizip II is typically formed with ge- prefix and a -(e)t or -en ending for regular verbs, and various irregular forms that you must learn. The main components are the subject, the conjugated form of sein, and the Partizip II positioned at the end of the clause (in main clauses). In subordinate clauses, the Partizip II would precede the conjugated sein verb, which moves to the very end.
2
Here is the fundamental structure:
3
Main Clause: Subject + conjugated form of sein + ... + Partizip II
4
Subordinate Clause: ..., dass Subject + ... + Partizip II + conjugated form of sein
5
Let's break it down with examples:
6
Der Brief ist geschrieben. (The letter is written.)
7
Die Fenster waren geputzt. (The windows were cleaned.)
8
..., weil die Aufgabe erledigt ist. (..., because the task is finished.)
9
The selection of sein's tense determines the temporal reference of the state. If you want to express a current state, use sein in the present tense. For a past state, use sein in the Präteritum or Perfekt. The simplicity of this pattern makes it highly efficient for communicating completed actions and their lasting impact. You must correctly form the Partizip II of the verb in question. Irregular verbs will require memorization of their Partizip II forms. For instance, schreiben becomes geschrieben, sehen becomes gesehen, and öffnen becomes geöffnet. The unchanging nature of the Partizip II is a key feature, making it easier to construct these sentences once sein is mastered. You should practice identifying transitive verbs and their Partizip II forms to confidently apply this pattern. The Zustandspassiv provides a grammatical shortcut to describe consequences.

When To Use It

You should employ the Zustandspassiv whenever you wish to emphasize the finished state or result of an action, rather than the action itself or the agent performing it. This form is particularly useful for conveying current conditions, outcomes, and statuses. It implies that an action has been completed, and its effects are presently observable.
This is a common requirement in many communicative situations, from daily life to professional reporting. Think of it as a statement of fact about a situation's current status post-action. It's often used in situations where English speakers might use an adjective or simply a past participle.
Here are specific contexts and examples:
  • Reporting on Completed Tasks/Status Updates: When an item on a to-do list is done, or a project milestone is reached, the Zustandspassiv is ideal. It states the completion clearly.
  • Die Präsentation ist vorbereitet. (The presentation is prepared.)
  • Der Fehler ist behoben. (The bug is fixed.)
  • Describing a Permanent or Semi-Permanent Condition: If the action has led to a lasting state, this form is appropriate.
  • Der Laden ist geschlossen. (The shop is closed – meaning it's not open now, the act of closing is over.)
  • Die Tür ist aufgeschlossen. (The door is unlocked.)
  • Discussing Availability or Non-Availability: When something is used up, sold out, or otherwise not present.
  • Die Plätze sind reserviert. (The seats are reserved.)
  • Alle Exemplare sind verkauft. (All copies are sold.)
  • Indicating Results of Processes (especially in technical/administrative contexts): For processes that have a definitive endpoint, the Zustandspassiv describes that endpoint.
  • Die Lieferung ist angekommen. (The delivery has arrived / is here.)
  • Das System ist installiert. (The system is installed.)
Crucially, if you can logically insert "already" (schon) into the English equivalent and it makes sense, you're likely dealing with a Zustandspassiv situation in German. For example, Das Essen ist gekocht implies the cooking process is already complete. This usage is about objective reporting.
It distances the speaker from the action and emphasizes the object's current reality. In situations where the who or how of an action is irrelevant, and only the what is now matters, the Zustandspassiv is your most precise grammatical tool. This grammatical form reflects a cultural emphasis on clarity and definitive statements regarding outcomes, especially in professional communication.
You will hear it frequently in office environments and public announcements, where efficient information transfer is paramount.

When Not To Use It

It is equally important to understand when the Zustandspassiv is inappropriate, as its misuse can lead to grammatical errors or convey unintended meanings. The fundamental principle is to avoid the Zustandspassiv when you want to describe an ongoing action or process, or when the focus is explicitly on the action being performed rather than its completed state. This is where the Vorgangspassiv (process passive) or even the active voice is required.
Here are key situations where you should not use the Zustandspassiv:
  • For Ongoing Actions/Processes: If something is actively being done, or in progress, you must use the Vorgangspassiv (werden + Partizip II). Using sein here would imply the action is already finished, which would be contradictory.
  • Incorrect: Die Tür ist geschlossen von der Putzfrau. (Implies the door is already closed by the cleaning lady, not that she is closing it right now.)
  • Correct (Vorgangspassiv): Die Tür wird von der Putzfrau geschlossen. (The door is being closed by the cleaning lady.)
  • When the Agent of the Action is Important and Performing the Action Now: While Zustandspassiv usually omits the agent, if the agent is actively engaged in the process, it's the wrong choice.
  • Incorrect: Der Brief ist geschrieben von mir. (Sounds awkward, implying the letter is currently in the state of being written by me, which makes little sense.)
  • Correct (Active): Ich schreibe den Brief. (I am writing the letter.)
  • Correct (Vorgangspassiv): Der Brief wird von mir geschrieben. (The letter is being written by me.)
  • With Intransitive Verbs: Only transitive verbs (those that take a direct object) can form a passive voice. Intransitive verbs (like schlafen – to sleep, gehen – to go, laufen – to run) do not have a passive form, thus they cannot form a Zustandspassiv.
  • Incorrect: Er ist gegangen. (This is Perfekt active for movement verbs, not passive.)
  • Correct: Er ist gegangen. (He has gone.) - This is active Perfekt, not passive.
  • When the Partizip II is functioning as a pure adjective without a preceding action: Sometimes Partizip II forms can become pure adjectives. If there's no implied prior action, it's not Zustandspassiv.
  • Consider: Er ist verliebt. (He is in love.) Here, verliebt functions as a pure adjective describing a state, not necessarily the result of a specific, recent 'falling in love' action. While derived from sich verlieben, its usage here is more adjectival. Distinguishing this can be subtle but usually clear from context. If there's no clear 'done' action, it's likely just an adjective.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will allow you to maintain precision in your German. Remember, sein indicates a state, werden indicates a process. You should constantly ask yourself: Am I describing an ongoing activity or a completed result?
Your answer will guide your choice of passive voice. Misapplying Zustandspassiv can lead to confusing or ungrammatical sentences, diminishing the clarity of your communication. Therefore, careful consideration of context is paramount.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific challenges when mastering the Zustandspassiv. These often stem from interference from their native language (especially English, which lacks a direct structural equivalent for the process/state passive distinction) and an incomplete understanding of the German system. You will benefit from proactively addressing these common pitfalls.
  • Confusing sein and werden: This is the most prevalent error. Using sein when werden is required for an ongoing action, or vice versa. Many learners default to werden for any passive construction.
  • Error: Die Straße wird seit zwei Stunden gesperrt. (Intending to say: The street has been closed for two hours, indicating a state.)
  • Correction: Die Straße ist seit zwei Stunden gesperrt. (The street is closed for two hours – a state.)
  • Error: Das Fenster ist gerade geöffnet. (Intending to say: The window is being opened right now.)
  • Correction: Das Fenster wird gerade geöffnet. (The window is being opened right now – an ongoing process.)
  • Overuse of von (by) or durch (through) for agents: While technically possible in rare, specific contexts (like Das Bild ist von Picasso gemalt), mentioning the agent (von or durch) is almost always avoided in Zustandspassiv. Its purpose is to focus on the state, not the doer.
  • Error: Die Aufgabe ist von Peter erledigt. (While understandable, it's unnatural.)
  • Correction: Die Aufgabe ist erledigt. (The task is finished.) If Peter's involvement is crucial, an active sentence is preferred: Peter hat die Aufgabe erledigt.
  • Incorrect Partizip II formation: Using an infinitive or incorrectly formed Partizip II instead of the correct past participle. This is often due to insufficient practice with irregular verb forms.
  • Error: Der Kaffee ist trinken. (Incorrect Partizip II for trinken.)
  • Correction: Der Kaffee ist getrunken. (The coffee is drunk.)
  • Applying Zustandspassiv to verbs that cannot form a passive: As previously noted, only transitive verbs can form a passive voice. Intransitive verbs, verbs of state, and reflexive verbs generally cannot.
  • Error: Er ist geschlafen. (Intransitive verb schlafen has no passive.)
  • Correction: Er hat geschlafen. (He has slept – active Perfekt.)
  • Confusing Zustandspassiv with Perfekt Active: For movement verbs (gehen, kommen, fahren), the Perfekt active also uses sein as an auxiliary verb (Ich bin gegangen). Learners sometimes misinterpret this as Zustandspassiv.
  • Perfekt Active: Ich bin nach Hause gegangen. (I have gone home.) – Focus on the completed action of going.
  • Zustandspassiv (example with a transitive verb): Der Brief ist geschrieben. (The letter is written.) – Focus on the state of the letter.
To mitigate these mistakes, you should consciously ask yourself: Is this an ongoing process (use werden) or a completed state (use sein)? Is the verb transitive? Have I formed the Partizip II correctly? Regular self-correction and attentive listening to native speakers will refine your usage. You should also pay close attention to the context, as it often provides critical clues to the intended meaning.

Memory Trick

To reliably distinguish between Vorgangspassiv (process) and Zustandspassiv (state), you can employ a simple mental check: werden is for Werden (Becoming), sein is for Sein (Being).

- Werden = Vorgangspassiv: Think of werden as the verb of becoming or changing. If something is becoming done, or in the process of being done, use werden.

- Analogy: Werden is like a video of the action unfolding.

- Example: Die Tür wird geöffnet. (The door is becoming opened / is being opened.)

- Sein = Zustandspassiv: Think of sein as the verb of being or existence. If something is in a certain finished state, use sein.

- Analogy: Sein is like a photo of the finished result.

- Example: Die Tür ist geöffnet. (The door is open / is in an opened state.)

Another trick: If you can substitute the Partizip II with an actual adjective and the meaning largely holds (e.g., Die Tür ist geöffnet can be conceptually linked to Die Tür ist offen), you're probably in Zustandspassiv territory. This mental substitution helps reinforce the adjectival nature of the Partizip II in this construction. You should associate werden with dynamic change and sein with static reality. This simple differentiation will guide your choice every time. You will find that this mnemonic significantly reduces confusion once internalized. It provides an immediate and intuitive way to select the correct auxiliary verb.

Real Conversations

Understanding the Zustandspassiv is crucial for natural communication in German, as it frequently appears in everyday dialogue, formal notices, and various digital interactions. You'll encounter it when native speakers efficiently convey information about finished tasks or current conditions without dwelling on the action's execution. This section illustrates authentic usage in modern contexts, demonstrating how German speakers apply this grammar rule naturally.

- In the Office / Project Updates:

- Colleague A: Ist der Bericht schon fertig? (Is the report ready yet?)

- Colleague B: Ja, der Bericht ist geschrieben und ist bereits verschickt. (Yes, the report is written and is already sent.)

- Observation: Colleague B quickly conveys the completed state of two tasks, focusing on the result, not the act of writing or sending.

- Daily Life / Household:

- Roommate 1: Sind die Einkäufe schon reingetragen? (Are the groceries brought in yet?)

- Roommate 2: Ja, alles ist schon verstaut. (Yes, everything is already put away.)

- Observation: This interaction uses Zustandspassiv to confirm the completion of a chore, indicating the current orderly state of the groceries.

- Customer Service / Online Status:

- Website Message: Ihre Bestellung ist bearbeitet und ist versandfertig. (Your order is processed and is ready for shipment.)

- Observation: Online systems frequently use Zustandspassiv to give concise status updates, assuring you of the completed steps in a process. This mirrors common e-commerce notifications.

- Social Media / Casual Updates:

- Friend A: Wie war das Konzert? (How was the concert?)

- Friend B: Super! Wir sind total begeistert! (Great! We are totally thrilled!)

- Observation: While begeistert here acts as an adjective, it stems from a Partizip II and describes a resulting state. This illustrates the fluid boundary between the Zustandspassiv and adjectival usage in expressing emotional states as outcomes. This casual communication demonstrates that the structure is not limited to formal settings but integrated into various communicative registers. You will notice that native speakers effortlessly switch between active, Vorgangspassiv, and Zustandspassiv depending on what they wish to emphasize, making the result-oriented Zustandspassiv a frequent choice for conveying current realities.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

German offers several ways to express actions and their aftermath, and distinguishing the Zustandspassiv from related grammatical patterns is crucial for precise communication. You will often encounter scenarios where the choice between active voice, Vorgangspassiv, and a simple adjective can be subtle yet significantly alter the meaning. This section provides a detailed comparison to clarify these distinctions.
1. Zustandspassiv vs. Vorgangspassiv (Process Passive)
This is the most critical distinction. Vorgangspassiv focuses on the action or process itself, using werden + Partizip II. Zustandspassiv focuses on the resulting state, using sein + Partizip II.
| Feature | Vorgangspassiv (Process) | Zustandspassiv (State) |
|:------------------|:---------------------------------------|:-----------------------------------------|
| Auxiliary Verb | werden | sein |
| Emphasis | The action being performed | The completed state/result of the action |
| Question it answers | What is happening? / What was done? | What is the state now? |
| Example | Die Tür wird geschlossen. | Die Tür ist geschlossen. |
| English | The door is being closed. | The door is closed. |
  • Illustration: Imagine a video camera (Vorgangspassiv) recording someone closing a door, versus a still photograph (Zustandspassiv) of the door already shut. The former captures motion; the latter captures the static outcome. You must analyze whether the sentence describes an unfolding event or a static consequence.
2. Zustandspassiv vs. Active Voice
The active voice emphasizes the agent who performs the action. Both Zustandspassiv and Vorgangspassiv shift the focus away from the agent, but they do so for different reasons.
| Feature | Active Voice | Zustandspassiv |
|:------------------|:---------------------------------------|:-----------------------------------------|
| Emphasis | The agent performing the action | The state of the object |
| Example | Ich schließe die Tür. | Die Tür ist geschlossen. |
| English | I close the door. | The door is closed. |
  • Illustration: If you want to say who did something, use active. If you just care about the thing and its condition, Zustandspassiv is better. You will often choose the active voice if the doer is relevant to your communication.
3. Zustandspassiv vs. Pure Adjectives
Some Partizip II forms can evolve into conventional adjectives (e.g., geschlossen can mean both 'closed' as a state from schließen and 'closed' as a fixed descriptive adjective). The distinction often lies in whether a preceding action is clearly implied.
| Feature | Zustandspassiv (Partizip II) | Pure Adjective |
|:------------------|:---------------------------------------|:-----------------------------------------|
| Origin | Result of a verb's action | Intrinsic quality, not necessarily from a verb |
| Example | Das Buch ist gelesen. | Das Buch ist spannend. |
| English | The book is read (finished reading). | The book is exciting. |
  • Illustration: Das Auto ist kaputt (The car is broken) uses kaputt as an adjective. Das Auto ist repariert (The car is repaired) uses repariert as a Partizip II from reparieren, indicating a state resulting from an action. The key is to ask if the descriptive word is derived from a verb whose action has recently or relevantly occurred. You will find that many Partizip II forms can function adjectivally without implying the passive state, which can be tricky. Context and implied action are your best guides here. If you can substitute the Partizip II with fertig (finished) or erledigt (done), you are likely dealing with Zustandspassiv. Your understanding of this distinction will deepen with exposure to varied contexts.

Progressive Practice

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Integrating the Zustandspassiv into your active German usage requires a structured approach and consistent practice. You need to move beyond mere recognition to spontaneous application in both speaking and writing. This section outlines strategies to progressively build your mastery of this grammar point, ensuring you can use it confidently and accurately in diverse situations. The goal is to make the distinction between Vorgangspassiv and Zustandspassiv intuitive.

2

- Observe and Deconstruct: Actively listen and read for examples of Zustandspassiv in authentic German materials (news articles, podcasts, TV shows, social media posts). When you encounter one, pause and ask yourself: Why is sein used here instead of werden? What state is being described? This analytical approach trains your ear and eye to the subtle cues.

3

- Example Observation: In a news report: Die Autobahn ist gesperrt. (The highway is closed.) – You identify that the state of being closed is the focus, not the action of closing. This helps reinforce the sein + Partizip II pattern for states.

4

- Transform Sentences: Take simple active sentences and practice converting them into both Vorgangspassiv and Zustandspassiv, paying close attention to the shift in meaning and auxiliary verb.

5

- Active: Der Kellner deckt den Tisch. (The waiter sets the table.)

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- Vorgangspassiv: Der Tisch wird gedeckt (von dem Kellner). (The table is being set.)

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- Zustandspassiv: Der Tisch ist gedeckt. (The table is set.)

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- Daily Status Reporting: Make it a habit to describe the status of items around you or tasks you've completed using the Zustandspassiv. Look at your surroundings and articulate the current state of objects.

9

- Die Tür ist geschlossen. (The door is closed.)

10

- Mein Handy ist aufgeladen. (My phone is charged.)

11

- Die Wäsche ist gewaschen. (The laundry is washed.)

12

- Picture Description: Find images depicting completed actions and describe the resulting states using Zustandspassiv sentences. This visual aid reinforces the concept of a

Statal Passive Formation

Subject Auxiliary (sein) Partizip II
Ich
bin
geöffnet
Du
bist
geöffnet
Er/Sie/Es
ist
geöffnet
Wir
sind
geöffnet
Ihr
seid
geöffnet
Sie/sie
sind
geöffnet

Meanings

The Statal Passive describes the state or condition of a subject resulting from a completed action.

1

Resultative State

Focuses on the current condition of an object.

“{Das|n} {Licht|n} ist ausgeschaltet.”

“{Der|m} {Tisch|m} ist gedeckt.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Statal Passive: The 'Done' State (Zustandspassiv)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + sein + Part II
{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist geschlossen.
Negative
Subj + sein + nicht + Part II
{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist nicht geschlossen.
Question
Sein + Subj + Part II?
Ist {die|f} {Tür|f} geschlossen?
Past State
Subj + war + Part II
{Die|f} {Tür|f} war geschlossen.
Future State
Subj + wird ... sein + Part II
{Die|f} {Tür|f} wird geschlossen sein.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist abgeschlossen.

{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist abgeschlossen. (Security)

Neutral
{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist zu.

{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist zu. (Security)

Informal
{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist dicht.

{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist dicht. (Security)

Slang
Tür ist zu.

Tür ist zu. (Security)

Statal Passive Concept

Zustandspassiv

Focus

  • Result Result

Verb

  • sein to be
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Examples by Level

1

{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist zu.

The door is closed.

2

{Das|n} {Fenster|n} ist offen.

The window is open.

3

{Das|n} {Licht|n} ist an.

The light is on.

4

{Der|m} {Kuchen|m} ist fertig.

The cake is ready.

1

{Die|f} {Aufgabe|f} ist erledigt.

The task is done.

2

{Der|m} {Brief|m} ist geschrieben.

The letter is written.

3

{Die|f} {Rechnung|f} ist bezahlt.

The bill is paid.

4

{Das|n} {Auto|n} ist gewaschen.

The car is washed.

1

{Der|m} {Termin|m} ist vereinbart.

The appointment is scheduled.

2

{Die|f} {Tür|f} ist abgeschlossen.

The door is locked.

3

{Das|n} {Essen|n} ist vorbereitet.

The food is prepared.

4

{Der|m} {Computer|m} ist ausgeschaltet.

The computer is turned off.

1

{Die|f} {Entscheidung|f} ist getroffen.

The decision is made.

2

{Der|m} {Vertrag|m} ist unterschrieben.

The contract is signed.

3

{Die|f} {Ware|f} ist verpackt.

The goods are packed.

4

{Das|n} {Problem|n} ist gelöst.

The problem is solved.

1

{Die|f} {Anlage|f} ist installiert.

The system is installed.

2

{Der|m} {Plan|m} ist genehmigt.

The plan is approved.

3

{Die|f} {Regel|f} ist festgelegt.

The rule is established.

4

{Das|n} {Projekt|n} ist abgeschlossen.

The project is completed.

1

{Die|f} {Maßnahme|f} ist ergriffen.

The measure is taken.

2

{Der|m} {Zustand|m} ist stabilisiert.

The condition is stabilized.

3

{Die|f} {Forderung|f} ist erfüllt.

The demand is met.

4

{Das|n} {Verfahren|n} ist eingestellt.

The procedure is discontinued.

Easily Confused

Statal Passive: The 'Done' State (Zustandspassiv) vs Vorgangspassiv

Both use participles.

Common Mistakes

✗

Das Fenster wird offen.

✓

Das Fenster ist offen.

Werden implies a change, sein implies a state.
✗

Das Buch ist geschrieben worden.

✓

Das Buch ist geschrieben.

Adding 'worden' makes it Action Passive.
✗

Die Tür ist schließen.

✓

Die Tür ist geschlossen.

Must use the participle, not the infinitive.
✗

Das Projekt ist am Laufen.

✓

Das Projekt ist abgeschlossen.

The statal passive requires a completed state.

Sentence Patterns

___ ist ___.

Real World Usage

Office constant

Der Bericht ist fertig.

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💡

Check the state

Ask yourself: is the action happening or is it done?

Smart Tips

Use sein + participle.

Das Fenster wird offen. → Das Fenster ist offen.

Pronunciation

ist ge-SCHLOS-sen

Stress

Stress the participle, not the auxiliary.

Declarative

Die Tür ist geschlossen ↘

Statement of fact.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Sein is the state, Werden is the change. If it's done, use 'sein' to explain the range.

Visual Association

Imagine a light switch. When you flip it, it's 'werden'. When it's already on, it's 'sein'.

Rhyme

Werden for the action, Sein for the state, use this rule to keep your grammar straight.

Story

I walked into the office. The door was locked (Statal). I realized the meeting was finished (Statal). I checked my email; it was sent (Statal).

Word Web

seinPartizip IIZustandErgebnisfertiggeschlossen

Challenge

Look around your room and write 5 sentences using 'ist' + participle for things that are done.

Cultural Notes

Germans value precision. Using the Statal Passive shows you know the status of a project.

Derived from the Germanic 'sein' + past participle construction.

Conversation Starters

“

Ist dein Zimmer aufgeräumt?

Journal Prompts

Describe your desk right now.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Das Fenster ___ geöffnet.

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

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Das Fenster ___ geöffnet.

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

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the helper verb. Fill in the Blank

{Der|m} Computer ___ repariert. (The computer is fixed.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Choose the correct translation. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'The bill is paid'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Die|f} Rechnung ist bezahlt.
Correct the grammar. Error Correction

{Das|n} Buch ist geschrieben von mir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Das|n} Buch ist von mir geschrieben.
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

verliebt / Er / ist / total

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist total verliebt.
Match the state to the meaning. Match Pairs

Match the German to the English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"ist ge\u00f6ffnet":"is open (state)","wird ge\u00f6ffnet":"is being opened (action)"}
Complete with the correct participle. Fill in the Blank

{Die|f} Tür ist ___ (schließen - closed).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: geschlossen
Identify the tense. Multiple Choice

{Das|n} Fenster war geöffnet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Past State (It was open)
Fix the verb. Error Correction

{Der|m} Brief wird schon geschrieben. (Meaning: It's already done.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Der|m} Brief ist schon geschrieben.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

vorbereitet / alles / Ist / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ist alles vorbereitet?
Choose the right form of 'sein'. Fill in the Blank

Wir ___ gut vorbereitet. (We are well prepared.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sind

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, only transitive verbs.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Estar + participio

German uses it more broadly for passive states.

French high

Être + participe passé

French often uses reflexive verbs instead.

Japanese moderate

Te-iru form

Japanese is agglutinative.

Arabic low

Ism al-maf'ul

Arabic grammar is root-based.

Chinese low

Verb + le/zhe

Chinese has no conjugation.

English high

To be + past participle

English often uses adjectives instead of participles.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
German Passive Voice: Focus on the Action (Vorgangspassiv)
Next
German Passive Voice in the Past (Präteritum Passiv)

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