Looking up...
Passivkonstruktion
/ˈpasɪfkɔnstʁʊkˌt͡si̯oːn/
passive construction
In diesem Satz wird die Passivkonstruktion verwendet, um das Subjekt zu betonen.
This sentence uses the passive construction to emphasize the subject.
grammar
A grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb rather than performing it.
Im Deutschen gibt es zwei Passivkonstruktionen: das Vorgangspassiv und das Zustandspassiv.
In German, there are two passive constructions: the action passive and the state passive.
Die Passivkonstruktion wird oft in formellen Texten verwendet.
The passive construction is often used in formal texts.
The passive construction shifts focus from the agent to the action or the recipient of the action. In German, it is formed with 'werden' (Vorgangspassiv) or 'sein' (Zustandspassiv) + past participle.
Collocations
Passivkonstruktion verwendento use the passive constructionPassivkonstruktion bildento form the passive construction
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Forming the Passive in German
The passive in German is formed with 'werden' (for actions) or 'sein' (for states) + past participle. Example: 'Der Brief wird geschrieben' (The letter is being written) vs. 'Der Brief ist geschrieben' (The letter is written).
Gold Rule
When to Use the Passive
Use the passive when the focus is on the action or the recipient, not the doer. Example: 'Das Fenster wurde geöffnet' (The window was opened) — the doer is irrelevant.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Passiv' (from Latin 'passivus', meaning 'passive') and 'Konstruktion' (from Latin 'constructio', meaning 'construction').
Usage Notes
Passive constructions are common in formal writing and when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or implied. In spoken German, active constructions are often preferred for clarity.
Word Breakdown
Passiv
passive voice
rootKonstruktion
construction
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch