The passive voice (Passiv) is an essential grammatical structure in German. It shifts the focus from who is doing an action to what is happening. This is especially useful in formal writing, news reports, scientific texts, and polite speech.
This guide will take you through:
How to form the passive voice in different tenses
When and why to use it
The difference between the process (Vorgangspassiv) and state (Zustandspassiv) passives
How to convert active sentences to passive
Common passive constructions and alternatives
Understanding the passive voice is a crucial aspect of mastering German grammar, typically introduced at A2-B1 levels. The passive voice shifts the focus from the agent (the one performing the action) to the action itself. In this comprehensive post, we'll explore how to form and use the passive voice in German.
1. What is the Passive Voice?
Active vs. Passive Sentences
Active Voice | Passive Voice |
Der Lehrer erklärt die Grammatik. (The teacher explains the grammar.) | Die Grammatik wird vom Lehrer erklärt. (The grammar is explained by the teacher.) |
Man baut ein neues Haus. (They are building a new house.) | Ein neues Haus wird gebaut. (A new house is being built.) |
When to Use the Passive
When the doer (agent) is unknown or unimportant:
Die Brücke wurde im Jahr 2000 gebaut. → The bridge was built in 2000.
In formal or scientific language:
Es wird viel geforscht. → A lot of research is being done.
To make statements more objective or impersonal:
Hier wird nicht geraucht. → Smoking is not allowed here.
Vorgangspassiv vs. Zustandspassiv in German
In German, the passive voice is divided into two main categories: "Vorgangspassiv" (process passive) and "Zustandspassiv" (state or stative passive). Here's a breakdown of the differences between them:
Vorgangspassiv:
Focus on the Action: Vorgangspassiv is used to emphasise the action or process of an activity.
Formation: It is formed with the auxiliary verb "werden" (conjugated according to the tense) and the participle of the main verb.
Example: "Der Brief wird geschrieben" (The letter is being written).
Usage: Commonly used to describe ongoing or dynamic actions in the past, present, or future.
Zustandspassiv:
Focus on the Resulting State: Zustandspassiv emphasises the resulting state or condition that arises from a completed action.
Formation: It is formed with the auxiliary verb "sein" (conjugated according to the tense) and the past participle of the main verb, followed by "worden."
Example: "Der Brief ist geschrieben worden" (The letter has been written).
Usage: Typically used to describe a state or condition that exists due to a completed action in the past.
In practice, Vorgangspassiv is often preferred because it is more versatile and straightforward. Native speakers tend to use it to avoid the complexities associated with Zustandspassiv.
2. Forming the Passive Voice (Vorgangspassiv)
The process passive (Vorgangspassiv) describes an ongoing action.
Present Tense (Präsens)
Formation: werden + past participle
Das Auto wird repariert. → The car is being repaired.
Die Fenster werden geputzt. → The windows are being cleaned.
Past Tenses
Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
Formation: sein + past participle + worden
Das Auto ist repariert worden. → The car has been repaired.
Die Fenster sind geputzt worden. → The windows have been cleaned.
Preterite (Imperfekt/Präteritum)
Formation: wurden + past participle
Das Auto wurde repariert. → The car was repaired.
Die Fenster wurden geputzt. → The windows were cleaned.
Future Tense (Futur I)
Formation: werden + past participle + werden
Das Auto wird repariert werden. → The car will be repaired.
Die Fenster werden geputzt werden. → The windows will be cleaned.
In German, the passive voice is constructed using the auxiliary verb "werden" and the participle of the main verb. However, in the perfect and pluperfect tenses, "sein" is the auxiliary verb, and the participle is followed by "worden." Before we delve into the various tenses of the passive voice in German, we have to clarify the difference between the two categories.
3. The State Passive (Zustandspassiv)
The state passive (Zustandspassiv) describes the result of an action, rather than the action itself.
Formation: sein + past participle
Die Tür ist geschlossen. → The door is closed. (meaning: it is currently in a closed state)
Der Tisch ist gedeckt. → The table is set.
Vorgangspassiv vs. Zustandspassiv
Process Passive (Vorgangspassiv) | State Passive (Zustandspassiv) |
Die Tür wird geschlossen. → The door is being closed. | Die Tür ist geschlossen. → The door is closed. |
Focus on the action. | Focus on the result. |
The German Tenses in the Passive Voice
In the table below, you will find sample sentences for each of the German tenses in the active and two forms of the passive voice where "VP" refers to the "Vorgangspassiv" and "ZP" indicates "Zustandspassiv" (state passive).
5. How to Convert Active to Passive
Active to Passive Steps
Identify the subject, verb, and object.
Move the object to the subject position.
Conjugate werden correctly.
Use the past participle.
Add von/durch/mit if necessary.
Examples:
Active | Passive |
Der Lehrer erklärt die Grammatik. | Die Grammatik wird vom Lehrer erklärt. |
Jemand hat das Fenster geöffnet. | Das Fenster ist geöffnet worden. |
Die Firma baut ein neues Haus. | Ein neues Haus wird von der Firma gebaut. |
Key Aspects of Passive Voice in German
Reversed Subject and Object: In passive sentences, the subject (Nominativ) and direct object (Akkusativ) switch positions. While the subject of an active sentence is often a person, the Nominative case in passive sentences is usually an inanimate object. Dative or Genitive cases in German remain unaffected, e.g.
Tense Variation: The tense of "werden" changes to indicate the time frame, while "sein" is used in perfect tenses. For example, Present, Präteritum, German Future I, and Future II use "werden," while Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt use "sein" + past participle + "worden."
How to Use "von," "durch," and "mit" in the German Passive Voice
When forming passive sentences in German, you often need to express who or what performs the action. This is done using the prepositions von, durch, and mit, but each has specific uses.
a). When to Use "von" in the Passive Voice
"Von" is used to indicate the agent (doer of the action), especially when referring to people or institutions.
Rule:
Use "von" when the action is carried out by a person or a defined group.
Examples:
Active Voice | Passive Voice |
Der Lehrer erklärt die Grammatik. (The teacher explains the grammar.) | Die Grammatik wird von dem Lehrer erklärt. (The grammar is explained by the teacher.) |
Die Firma baut das Haus. (The company is building the house.) | Das Haus wird von der Firma gebaut. (The house is being built by the company.) |
Jemand hat den Fehler gemacht. (Someone made the mistake.) | Der Fehler wurde von jemandem gemacht. (The mistake was made by someone.) |
Key Points:
Use "von" for people or organizations performing the action.
"Von" is typically followed by the dative case (von dem Lehrer → vom Lehrer).
b). When to Use "durch" in the Passive Voice
"Durch" is used when referring to an indirect agent, meaning the action is carried out by a means, method, force, or instrument.
Rule:
Use "durch" when the cause or instrument of the action is emphasized rather than the person doing it.
Examples:
Active Voice | Passive Voice |
Der Wind hat das Fenster geöffnet. (The wind opened the window.) | Das Fenster wurde durch den Wind geöffnet. (The window was opened by the wind.) |
Ein Computerprogramm analysiert die Daten. (A computer program analyzes the data.) | Die Daten werden durch ein Computerprogramm analysiert. (The data are analyzed by a computer program.) |
Ein Erdbeben hat das Gebäude zerstört. (An earthquake destroyed the building.) | Das Gebäude wurde durch ein Erdbeben zerstört. (The building was destroyed by an earthquake.) |
Key Points:
Use "durch" when the focus is on the means or cause rather than the person.
It often applies to forces of nature, tools, machines, or impersonal factors.
"Durch" is followed by the accusative case (durch den Wind).
c). When to Use "mit" in the Passive Voice
"Mit" is used when referring to the instrument or tool with which something is done.
Rule:
Use "mit" when describing the instrument used to perform the action rather than the actual agent.
Examples:
Active Voice | Passive Voice |
Er schreibt den Brief mit einem Stift. (He writes the letter with a pen.) | Der Brief wird mit einem Stift geschrieben. (The letter is written with a pen.) |
Sie öffnet die Tür mit einem Schlüssel. (She opens the door with a key.) | Die Tür wird mit einem Schlüssel geöffnet. (The door is opened with a key.) |
Der Maler malt das Bild mit einem Pinsel. (The painter paints the picture with a brush.) | Das Bild wird mit einem Pinsel gemalt. (The picture is painted with a brush.) |
Key Points:
Use "mit" for tools, instruments, or materials used in the action.
"Mit" is followed by the dative case (mit einem Stift).
It answers the question "Womit?" (With what?).
Summary Table: "von" vs. "durch" vs. "mit"
Preposition | Used For | Example |
von (+ dative) | Person/organization doing the action | Das Buch wurde von dem Autor geschrieben. (The book was written by the author.) |
durch (+ accusative) | Means/cause (not a person) | Das Haus wurde durch ein Erdbeben zerstört. (The house was destroyed by an earthquake.) |
mit (+ dative) | Instrument/tool used | Der Brief wurde mit einem Stift geschrieben. (The letter was written with a pen.) |
Quick Practice
Decide whether to use von, durch, or mit in these sentences:
Die Musik wurde ___ Mozart komponiert.
Die Tür wurde ___ dem Wind geöffnet.
Der Kuchen wurde ___ einer Gabel gegessen.
Der Brief wurde ___ einem Computer geschrieben.
Das Gebäude wurde ___ die Feuerwehr gerettet.
Answers:
von
durch
mit
mit
von
Mastering the correct use of "von," "durch," and "mit" in the German passive voice helps you communicate clearly and correctly. Remember:
The dative preposition von is used when a person or institution performs the action.
The accusative preposition durch is used when the cause, force, or method is emphasised.
Finally, the dative preposition mit is used when an instrument or tool is involved.
The Passive Voice with Modal Verbs in German
When using the passive voice with modal verbs in German, the word order changes slightly from the regular passive voice. This structure is commonly used when you need to express necessity, possibility, permission, or obligation in the passive voice.
a) Basic Structure of the Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
✅ Modal verb + "werden" in the infinitive + past participle
This differs from standard passive voice structures, which normally use werden as a conjugated verb.
Present Tense (Präsens) Formula:
✅ Modal verb (conjugated) + past participle + werden (infinitive)
Example:
Active | Passive (with Modal) |
Man muss die Tür schließen. (One must close the door.) | Die Tür muss geschlossen werden. (The door must be closed.) |
Man kann das Problem lösen. (One can solve the problem.) | Das Problem kann gelöst werden. (The problem can be solved.) |
Man soll die Regeln beachten. (One should follow the rules.) | Die Regeln sollen beachtet werden. (The rules should be followed.) |
b) Passive Voice with Modal Verbs in Different Tenses
Present Tense (Präsens)
✅ Modal verb (conjugated) + past participle + werden (infinitive)
Active | Passive |
Man muss den Brief schicken. (One must send the letter.) | Der Brief muss geschickt werden. (The letter must be sent.) |
Man darf die Tür nicht offen lassen. (One must not leave the door open.) | Die Tür darf nicht offen gelassen werden. (The door must not be left open.) |
Past Tense (Präteritum)
✅ Modal verb in Präteritum + past participle + werden (infinitive)
Active | Passive |
Man musste den Bericht schreiben. (One had to write the report.) | Der Bericht musste geschrieben werden. (The report had to be written.) |
Man durfte das Gebäude nicht betreten. (One was not allowed to enter the building.) | Das Gebäude durfte nicht betreten werden. (The building was not allowed to be entered.) |
Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
✅ Modal verb (infinitive) + past participle + worden sein
Active | Passive |
Man hat das Problem lösen müssen. (One had to solve the problem.) | Das Problem hat gelöst werden müssen. (The problem had to be solved.) |
Man hat die Türen schließen dürfen. (One was allowed to close the doors.) | Die Türen haben geschlossen werden dürfen. (The doors were allowed to be closed.) |
Future Tense (Futur I)
✅ werden (conjugated) + past participle + werden (infinitive) + modal verb (infinitive)
Active | Passive |
Man wird das Problem lösen müssen. (One will have to solve the problem.) | Das Problem wird gelöst werden müssen. (The problem will have to be solved.) |
Man wird den Vertrag unterschreiben können. (One will be able to sign the contract.) | Der Vertrag wird unterschrieben werden können. (The contract will be able to be signed.) |
c) Common Modal Verbs in the Passive Voice
Here’s a quick guide to how the most common modal verbs behave in passive constructions:
Modal Verb | Meaning | Example (Passive) |
müssen | must / have to | Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.) |
können | can / be able to | Die Regeln können geändert werden. (The rules can be changed.) |
dürfen | may / be allowed to | Das Gebäude darf nicht betreten werden. (The building must not be entered.) |
sollen | should / ought to | Die Dokumente sollen überprüft werden. (The documents should be checked.) |
wollen | want to | Die Entscheidung will überdacht werden. (The decision wants to be reconsidered.) |
mögen | like to | Das Buch möchte gelesen werden. (The book wants to be read.) |
d) Comparing Passive with and Without Modal Verbs
Without Modal Verb | With Modal Verb |
Die Tür wird geschlossen. (The door is being closed.) | Die Tür muss geschlossen werden. (The door must be closed.) |
Das Projekt wurde beendet. (The project was completed.) | Das Projekt musste beendet werden. (The project had to be completed.) |
e) Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Incorrect: Die Aufgabe muss werden gemacht.✅ Correct: Die Aufgabe muss gemacht werden.
❌ Incorrect: Der Film könnte sein gesehen worden.✅ Correct: Der Film könnte gesehen werden.
Common Errors:
❌ Forgetting werden at the end
✅ Der Vertrag soll unterschrieben werden. (The contract should be signed.)
❌ Using sein instead of werden in present passive
✅ Die Regel muss geändert werden. (The rule must be changed.)
f) Practice Exercises
Convert these active sentences into passive sentences with modal verbs:
Man muss das Auto reparieren.
Man sollte den Fehler korrigieren.
Man darf die Tür nicht offen lassen.
Fill in the blanks with the correct passive form:
Das Problem ___ gelöst ___ (müssen).
Die Tickets ___ nicht verkauft ___ (dürfen).
Die Aufgabe ___ morgen fertiggestellt ___ (sollen).
Rewrite these sentences in the past passive voice with modal verbs:
Man konnte die Regel ändern.
Man musste die Präsentation vorbereiten.
Summary & Key Takeaways
✅ The passive voice with modal verbs follows the structure:
Modal verb (conjugated) + past participle + werden (infinitive)
✅ Examples:
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.)
Der Bericht soll geschrieben werden. (The report should be written.)
✅ In the past (Präteritum), use:
Modal verb in Präteritum + past participle + werden
Das Haus musste renoviert werden. (The house had to be renovated.)
✅ In the perfect (Perfekt), use:
Modal verb (infinitive) + past participle + worden sein
Die Regeln haben geändert werden müssen. (The rules had to be changed.)
✅ Common mistakes:
Don’t forget werden at the end (Die Aufgabe muss gemacht werden.).
Don’t use sein instead of werden (Das Buch kann gelesen werden.).
Mastering the passive voice with modal verbs will help you express necessity, possibility, and obligations in a clear and natural way. It is commonly used in formal language, business contexts, and polite speech, so practicing these structures will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy in German.
Konjunktiv II in the Passive Voice in German
The Konjunktiv II (Subjunctive II) in the passive voice is used to talk about hypothetical, unreal, polite, or uncertain situations where the action is being performed on something or someone. This structure is commonly used in formal writing, polite requests, giving advice, expressing wishes, making hypothetical statements, and indirect speech.
a) How to Form the Konjunktiv II in the Passive Voice
General Formula:
✅ Konjunktiv II of "werden" + past participle
Present (Gegenwart): würde + past participle
Past (Vergangenheit): Konjunktiv II of sein + past participle + worden
b) Konjunktiv II Passive in the Present (Gegenwart)
This is used for hypothetical or polite statements about the present or future.
Formation:
würde + past participle(werden in Konjunktiv II form is replaced with würde for most cases.)
Examples:
Active | Passive (Konjunktiv II) |
Man müsste das Problem lösen. (One should solve the problem.) | Das Problem würde gelöst werden. (The problem would be solved.) |
Man könnte die Regeln ändern. (One could change the rules.) | Die Regeln würden geändert werden. (The rules could be changed.) |
Man sollte die Gebäude renovieren. (The buildings should be renovated.) | Die Gebäude würden renoviert werden. (The buildings would be renovated.) |
Key Uses:
✅ Hypothetical scenarios:
Wenn ich König wäre, würde ein neues Gesetz eingeführt werden.
(If I were king, a new law would be introduced.)
✅ Polite requests & suggestions:
Es würde sehr geschätzt werden, wenn Sie pünktlich kommen könnten.
(It would be very much appreciated if you could arrive on time.)
✅ Unreal or impossible situations:
Wenn es mehr Zeit gäbe, würde das Projekt schneller fertiggestellt werden.
(If there were more time, the project would be completed faster.)
✅ Passive alternative to "man würde..."
Instead of Man würde das Problem lösen (One would solve the problem),
Say: Das Problem würde gelöst werden. (The problem would be solved.)
c) Konjunktiv II Passive in the Past (Vergangenheit)
This is used to express hypothetical or counterfactual situations in the past.
Formation:
✅ Konjunktiv II of "sein" (wäre) + past participle + worden
Examples:
Active | Passive (Konjunktiv II Past) |
Man hätte das Problem lösen können. (One could have solved the problem.) | Das Problem wäre gelöst worden. (The problem would have been solved.) |
Man hätte das Hotel renovieren müssen. (One should have renovated the hotel.) | Das Hotel wäre renoviert worden. (The hotel would have been renovated.) |
Sie hätten die Briefe verschickt. (They would have sent the letters.) | Die Briefe wären verschickt worden. (The letters would have been sent.) |
Key Uses:
✅ Regret or hypothetical past actions that didn't happen:
Wenn wir schneller gearbeitet hätten, wäre das Projekt pünktlich fertiggestellt worden.
(If we had worked faster, the project would have been completed on time.)
✅ Expressing criticism or missed opportunities:
Das wäre anders geregelt worden, wenn man auf mich gehört hätte.
(That would have been handled differently if they had listened to me.)
✅ Polite hypothetical statements about the past:
Es wäre besser gewesen, wenn die Regeln klarer erklärt worden wären.
(It would have been better if the rules had been explained more clearly.)
d) Konjunktiv II Passive in Different Tenses (Summary Table)
Tense | Formation | Example Sentence |
Present Passive (Gegenwart) | würde + past participle + werden | Das Problem würde gelöst werden. (The problem would be solved.) |
Past Passive (Vergangenheit) | wäre + past participle + worden | Das Problem wäre gelöst worden. (The problem would have been solved.) |
e) Common Alternatives to the Passive Konjunktiv II
In spoken German, people often avoid the passive Konjunktiv II by using alternative structures:
Using "man" instead of passive voice
Instead of:
Das Problem würde gelöst werden. (The problem would be solved.)
People often say:
Man würde das Problem lösen. (One would solve the problem.)
Using modal verbs in Konjunktiv II
Instead of:
Das Auto würde repariert werden müssen. (The car would have to be repaired.)
People say:
Man müsste das Auto reparieren. (One would have to repair the car.)
Using adjectives or participle constructions
Instead of:
Das Essen wäre gekocht worden. (The food would have been cooked.)
People say:
Das Essen wäre fertig gewesen. (The food would have been ready.)
f) Practice Exercises
Convert these active sentences into Konjunktiv II Passive (Present):
Man sollte die Regeln überarbeiten.
Jemand könnte das Problem lösen.
Man müsste die Gesetze ändern.
Convert these active sentences into Konjunktiv II Passive (Past):
Man hätte die Brücke bauen können.
Jemand hätte das Fenster schließen müssen.
Sie hätten das Haus renoviert.
(Answers at the end of the guide!) 🚀
Summary & Key Takeaways
✅ Konjunktiv II Passive (Present):
Used for hypothetical, polite, or unreal situations in the present or future.
Formed with würde + past participle + werden.
Das Problem würde gelöst werden. (The problem would be solved.)
✅ Konjunktiv II Passive (Past):
Used for hypothetical, counterfactual situations in the past.
Formed with wäre + past participle + worden.
Das Problem wäre gelöst worden. (The problem would have been solved.)
✅ Avoiding the passive Konjunktiv II:
Use "man würde..." instead of passive (Man würde das Problem lösen.).
Use modal verbs (Man müsste die Regeln ändern.).
Use adjectives or participles (Das Essen wäre fertig gewesen.).
By mastering Konjunktiv II in the passive voice, you’ll be able to express hypothetical, formal, and polite statements much more naturally in German. Keep practicing, and soon this will feel natural! Viel Erfolg! 🚀🇩🇪
The German Passive Voice Without or With an Implied Subject
In German, the passive voice is often used without explicitly mentioning the subject (doer). This is especially common in formal, scientific, and impersonal contexts. In many cases, the subject is either unknown, irrelevant, or deliberately omitted to focus on the action rather than the agent.
a) Passive Without an Explicit Subject (Unpersönliches Passiv)
When no agent is mentioned, the passive construction focuses solely on the action and removes the emphasis on who or what is performing it.
Formation:
✅ werden + past participle
Examples (Impersonal Passive in the Present Tense)
Active | Passive (Without a Subject) |
Jemand baut eine neue Brücke. (Someone is building a new bridge.) | Eine neue Brücke wird gebaut. (A new bridge is being built.) |
Man diskutiert über die neue Reform. (People are discussing the new reform.) | Über die neue Reform wird diskutiert. (The new reform is being discussed.) |
Jemand öffnet die Tür. (Someone is opening the door.) | Die Tür wird geöffnet. (The door is being opened.) |
When to Use the Passive Without a Subject:
✅ When the doer is unknown or unimportant
In diesem Restaurant wird gut gegessen. (Good food is eaten in this restaurant.)
✅ In official, scientific, or bureaucratic language
Die Ergebnisse werden analysiert. (The results are being analyzed.)
✅ To make statements more formal and objective
Hier wird nicht geraucht. (Smoking is not allowed here.)
b) Passive with an Implied Subject
Sometimes, the subject is not stated directly but is clearly implied. The reader or listener can infer from the context who or what is performing the action.
Common Contexts:
🔹 Official Announcements & Instructions:
Die Straße wird gesperrt. (The road is being closed.) → Implied Subject: The city or road maintenance workers.
Das Konzert wird um 20 Uhr begonnen. (The concert will start at 8 PM.) → Implied Subject: The organisers.
🔹 Scientific & News Reports:
Es wurde bewiesen, dass die Theorie korrekt ist. (It was proven that the theory is correct.) → Implied Subject: Scientists.
Ein neues Medikament wird getestet. (A new medication is being tested.) → Implied Subject: Doctors or researchers.
🔹 Rules & Regulations:
Die Steuern werden erhöht. (Taxes are being increased.) → Implied Subject: The government.
Neue Gesetze wurden verabschiedet. (New laws were passed.) → Implied Subject: The parliament.
c) Using "Es" in Impersonal Passive Constructions
When there is no clear subject, German often introduces an impersonal "es" as a placeholder. This is especially common with verbs that do not take a direct object.
✅ Formation:✅ Es + werden + past participle
Examples:
Es wird viel gearbeitet. (A lot of work is being done.)
Es wird viel über das Thema diskutiert. (A lot is being discussed about the topic.)
Es wurde laut gelacht. (There was loud laughter.)
Key Uses:
✅ Weather expressions:
Es wurde viel geregnet. (It rained a lot.)
✅ Statements about general activity:
Es wird hier oft getanzt. (Dancing happens here often.)
Es wurde spät gefeiert. (It was celebrated late.)
d) Comparing Passive Without vs. With an Implied Subject
Passive Without a Subject | Passive With an Implied Subject |
Hier wird gearbeitet. (Work is being done here.) → General statement, no subject needed. | Das Projekt wird bearbeitet. (The project is being worked on.) → Implied subject: Employees. |
Es wird Deutsch gesprochen. (German is spoken here.) → General observation. | In der Schule wird Deutsch gesprochen. (German is spoken in school.) → Implies: Students, teachers. |
Es wird viel gebaut. (A lot of construction is happening.) → No subject mentioned. | In Berlin werden viele neue Wohnungen gebaut. (Many new apartments are being built in Berlin.) → Implies: Construction companies. |
e) Alternative Ways to Express the Passive Without a Subject
Instead of the passive, German often uses alternative constructions to avoid overuse of "werden" in passive sentences.
1. Using "man" Instead of Passive
A common way to replace passive sentences is by using "man", which functions as an indefinite subject.
Passive (No Subject) | Active Alternative Using "man" |
Hier wird viel gearbeitet. (A lot of work is being done here.) | Man arbeitet hier viel. (People work a lot here.) |
Es wird oft Deutsch gesprochen. (German is often spoken here.) | Man spricht oft Deutsch. (People often speak German.) |
2. Using Reflexive Verbs Instead of Passive
Another way to avoid passive voice is by using reflexive verbs, which imply an action happening to itself.
Passive | Reflexive Alternative |
Es wird oft getanzt. (Dancing is often done.) | Es tanzt sich oft. (It dances often.) |
Die Tickets können gekauft werden. (The tickets can be bought.) | Die Tickets lassen sich kaufen. (The tickets are buyable.) |
3. Using "sein zu + infinitive" as a Passive Alternative
In some cases, "sein zu + infinitive" can replace passive voice, making sentences more natural.
Passive | Alternative Using "sein zu" |
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.) | Das Problem ist zu lösen. (The problem is solvable.) |
Die Aufgabe soll erledigt werden. (The task should be completed.) | Die Aufgabe ist zu erledigen. (The task is to be completed.) |
f) Practice Exercises
Rewrite these sentences in the passive voice without a subject:
Man baut eine neue Schule.
Jemand reinigt die Straßen.
Die Regierung erhöht die Steuern.
Choose the correct passive form (with or without "es"):
___ wird hier nicht geraucht. (Es / Man)
___ wird hart gearbeitet. (Es / Man)
___ wird über Politik diskutiert. (Es / Man)
Replace passive sentences with "man" or a reflexive verb:
Es wird hier Deutsch gesprochen. → __________
Es wird ein neues Gesetz verabschiedet. → __________
Summary & Key Takeaways
✅ Passive without a subject is used when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.✅ Impersonal "es" is used in passive sentences where there is no subject at all (Es wird viel gearbeitet.).
✅ Alternatives to passive:
Use "man" for general actions (Man spricht Deutsch.).
Use reflexive verbs (Das Problem löst sich.).
Use "sein zu" + infinitive (Das Buch ist zu lessen.).
Mastering the passive without or with an implied subject will make your German sound more natural, especially in formal or official language. Keep practicing and soon this will feel automatic!
How to Avoid the Passive Voice in German
While the passive voice is widely used in formal, scientific, and official language, it can sometimes make sentences sound impersonal, unclear, or overly complex. In spoken German and everyday writing, native speakers often prefer active or alternative structures to make statements more natural. In what follows, I will show you when and why to avoid the passive voice, as well as alternative ways to rephrase passive sentences in German.
a) When Should You Avoid the Passive Voice?
✅ In casual, conversational German → Passive sounds too formal.
✅ When the subject (doer of the action) is known or important → Active voice is clearer.
✅ To make sentences shorter, more direct, and natural.
✅ To sound more dynamic and engaging.
Example: Passive vs. Active
❌ Passive: Das Problem wurde gestern gelöst. (The problem was solved yesterday.)
✅ Active: Wir haben das Problem gestern gelöst. (We solved the problem yesterday.)
b) Alternative Ways to Avoid the Passive Voice
Here are seven common ways to replace passive constructions in German:
1. Use "man" Instead of Passive (Impersonal Subject)
"Man" is often used as an alternative to passive voice to create an active sentence with a general subject.
Passive | Active (with "man") |
Hier wird Deutsch gesprochen. (German is spoken here.) | Man spricht hier Deutsch. (People speak German here.) |
Das Problem wurde gelöst. (The problem was solved.) | Man hat das Problem gelöst. (Someone/People solved the problem.) |
Es wird viel über Politik diskutiert. (A lot is discussed about politics.) | Man diskutiert viel über Politik. (People discuss politics a lot.) |
✅ When to use "man"
When the doer of the action is unknown, general, or not important.
Used frequently in spoken German.
2. Use Reflexive Verbs Instead of Passive
Some reflexive verbs naturally imply that an action is happening without needing a direct subject.
Passive | Reflexive Alternative |
Die Tür wird geöffnet. (The door is being opened.) | Die Tür öffnet sich. (The door opens.) |
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.) | Das Problem löst sich. (The problem resolves itself.) |
Der Kuchen wird gebacken. (The cake is being baked.) | Der Kuchen bäckt sich leicht. (The cake bakes easily.) |
✅ When to use reflexive verbs
When the subject is obvious or doesn't need to be mentioned.
Used in instructions, descriptions, or spontaneous actions.
3. Use "sein zu" + Infinitive Instead of Passive
Instead of the passive with "werden", you can use "sein zu" + infinitive to express necessity or possibility.
Passive | Alternative with "sein zu" |
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.) | Das Problem ist zu lösen. (The problem is solvable.) |
Die Aufgabe soll erledigt werden. (The task should be completed.) | Die Aufgabe ist zu erledigen. (The task is to be completed.) |
Das Haus muss renoviert werden. (The house must be renovated.) | Das Haus ist zu renovieren. (The house is to be renovated.) |
✅ When to use "sein zu"
Used for rules, instructions, or formal requirements.
Sounds shorter and more direct than passive.
4. Use "lassen" Instead of Passive
The verb "lassen" (to let, allow, have something done) can replace passive voice when something is done by someone else.
Passive | Alternative with "lassen" |
Das Auto wurde repariert. (The car was repaired.) | Ich habe das Auto reparieren lassen. (I had the car repaired.) |
Die Wohnung muss renoviert werden. (The apartment must be renovated.) | Wir lassen die Wohnung renovieren. (We are having the apartment renovated.) |
Die Haare wurden geschnitten. (The hair was cut.) | Sie hat sich die Haare schneiden lassen. (She had her hair cut.) |
✅ When to use "lassen"
When someone else does the action for you.
Used in spoken and informal German.
5. Use an Active Sentence with an Indefinite Subject
Instead of using a passive sentence without a subject, you can use an active sentence with a general or indefinite subject.
Passive | Active Alternative |
Die neue Software wurde entwickelt. (The new software was developed.) | Ein Team von Experten hat die neue Software entwickelt. (A team of experts developed the new software.) |
Die Tickets werden verkauft. (The tickets are being sold.) | Die Verkäufer verkaufen die Tickets. (The sellers are selling the tickets.) |
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved.) | Die Mitarbeiter müssen das Problem lösen. (The employees must solve the problem.) |
✅ When to use an indefinite subject
When the doer of the action is relevant or known.
Makes statements more direct and natural.
6. Using "-bar" and "-lich" to Avoid Modal Verbs in the Passive Voice
The suffixes "-bar" and "-lich" can often be used as a more natural alternative to passive constructions with modal verbs. This is especially useful in spoken German, where passive voice + modal verbs can sound too formal or awkward.
Instead of saying:
❌ Das Problem muss gelöst werden.(The problem must be solved.)
You can say:
✅ Das Problem ist lösbar.(The problem is solvable.)
General Formula:
✅ "modal verb + passive" → "-bar" or "-lich" adjective✅ sein + "-bar" or "-lich" adjective
Examples of "-bar" Replacing Passive with Modal Verbs
"-bar" is commonly used because it directly replaces "können" (can/be able to) or "müssen" (must)" in passive sentences.
Passive with Modal Verb | Alternative with "-bar" | English |
Das Buch kann gelesen werden. | Das Buch ist lesbar. | The book is readable. |
Das Problem muss gelöst werden. | Das Problem ist lösbar. | The problem is solvable. |
Der Text soll übersetzt werden. | Der Text ist übersetzbar. | The text is translatable. |
Die Datei kann gespeichert werden. | Die Datei ist speicherbar. | The file is storable. |
Das Angebot muss angenommen werden. | Das Angebot ist annehmbar. | The offer is acceptable. |
🛑 When to use "-bar":
Works best with transitive verbs (verbs that take an object).
Expresses possibility ("kann… werden") or necessity ("muss… werden").
Often replaces "können" and "müssen" in the passive voice.
Examples of "-lich" Replacing Passive with Modal Verbs
Some verbs use "-lich" instead of "-bar", especially when describing a state, quality, or manner.
Passive with Modal Verb | Alternative with "-lich" | English |
Die Anweisungen müssen verstanden werden. | Die Anweisungen sind verständlich. | The instructions are understandable. |
Die Regel soll beachtet werden. | Die Regel ist beachtlich. | The rule is notable. |
Die Idee kann verwirklicht werden. | Die Idee ist verwirklichbar. | The idea is realizable. |
🛑 When to use "-lich":
Often used instead of "sollen" in passive voice (desirable actions).
Describes qualities or conditions rather than just feasibility.
Often interchangeable with "-bar" but can have a more abstract meaning ("verständlich" = understandable, but "verstehbar" = technically possible to understand).
When "-bar" and "-lich" Are More Natural Than Passive + Modal Verb
✅ More natural:
In spoken German
In short, descriptive statements
When describing something that has a certain property
✅ Examples where "-bar" or "-lich" is better:
Passive with Modal Verb | Alternative with "-bar"/"-lich" |
Diese Aufgabe kann erledigt werden. | Diese Aufgabe ist erledigbar. |
Der Film soll verstanden werden. | Der Film ist verständlich. |
Das Gerät kann repariert werden. | Das Gerät ist reparierbar. |
🛑 When Passive + Modal Verb Is Still Necessary:
If the focus is on who or what must do something:
✅ Das Problem muss von einem Experten gelöst werden. (The problem must be solved by an expert.)
❌ Das Problem ist lösbar. (This doesn’t specify who should solve it.)
If the action is more important than the possibility of doing it:
✅ Das Experiment muss wiederholt werden. (The experiment must be repeated.)
❌ Das Experiment ist wiederholbar. (This sounds like a general statement rather than a requirement.)
Summary: When to Use "-bar" and "-lich" Instead of Passive
Use Passive + Modal Verb If… | Use "-bar" / "-lich" If… |
The sentence needs a subject or agent (Das Problem muss von einem Experten gelöst werden.) | The sentence describes a general property (Das Problem ist lösbar.) |
The focus is on the action itself (Der Fehler muss korrigiert werden.) | The focus is on the possibility or feasibility (Der Fehler ist korrigierbar.) |
The sentence expresses who is required to act (Das Gerät muss von einem Techniker repariert werden.) | The sentence expresses an inherent characteristic (Das Gerät ist reparierbar.) |
Use Periphrastic Constructions (Rewording the Sentence)
Sometimes, the best way to avoid the passive voice is to rephrase the sentence entirely.
Passive | Reworded Alternative |
Der Vertrag wurde unterschrieben. (The contract was signed.) | Der Vertrag hat jetzt Gültigkeit. (The contract is now valid.) |
Die Prüfung wird bald geschrieben. (The exam will soon be written.) | Die Schüler schreiben bald die Prüfung. (The students will soon take the exam.) |
Der Fehler muss korrigiert werden. (The mistake must be corrected.) | Der Fehler sollte nicht passieren. (The mistake shouldn't happen.) |
✅ When to use rewording
When passive voice sounds unnatural or too abstract.
Useful for making sentences shorter and more direct.
Summary & Quick Reference Table
Passive Voice | Alternative | Example |
Use "man" | General subject | Man spricht Deutsch. (People speak German.) |
Use reflexive verbs | Action happens itself | Die Tür öffnet sich. (The door opens.) |
Use "sein zu" | Necessity | Das Problem ist zu lösen. (The problem is solvable.) |
Use "lassen" | Something is done by someone else | Ich lasse mein Auto reparieren. (I have my car repaired.) |
Use an active sentence | Specify subject | Ein Experte hat das entwickelt. (An expert developed it.) |
Reword the sentence | Change phrasing | Der Vertrag hat jetzt Gültigkeit. (The contract is now valid.) |
Final Thoughts
✅ Passive voice is useful but should be avoided in casual and spoken German.
✅ Active voice is clearer, shorter, and more engaging.
✅ Alternatives like "man," reflexive verbs, "lassen," and "sein zu" make German sound more natural.
Feel free to explore more grammar topics and enhance your German proficiency on our blog "Auf Deutsch, bitte!" — your go-to resource for German language learning. You'll find posts on everything ranging from adjective endings in German, the four German cases, pronouns in German to German syntax. However, we also discuss topics on the language as a whole, such as how many words there are in the German language, and if German is difficult to learn.
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