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Learn to form the Vorgangspassiv in German using "werden" + Partizip II, focusing on actions like ausstellen (to exhibit), singen (to sing), and organisieren (to organize). This lesson helps describe ongoing processes clearly.
  1. The process passive is formed with "werden" + past participle.
  2. It describes active actions where the process is the focus.
  3. The acting person can be named, but does not have to be (von + dative).
Formel  (formula )Verb  (verb)Beispiele (Examples)

 

 

Werden + Partizip II (werden + past participle)

ausstellenDie Bilder werden im Museum ausgestellt.
singenDas Lied wird von einem Sänger gesungen.
organisierenDie Veranstaltung wird organisiert.
malenDas Kunstwerk wird von einem Künstler gemalt.
vorstellenDer Schauspieler wird dem Publikum vorgestellt.

Exercise 1: Das Vorgangspassiv im Deutschen

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

wird verstanden, werden gesehen, wird, werden, werden beantwortet, geschrieben, gebracht, wird vorbereitet, werden gekauft

1. Vorbereiten:
Das Konzert ....
(The concert is being prepared.)
2. Beantworten:
Die Fragen zur Kunst ....
(The questions about art are answered.)
3. Kaufen:
Die Tickets ....
(The tickets are being bought.)
4. Verstehen:
Das Programm ....
(The programme is understood.)
5. Sehen:
Die Kunstwerke ....
(The artworks are being seen.)
6. Kaufen:
Die Bücher ....
(The books are being bought.)
7. Bringen:
Die Kunstwerke ... ins Museum ....
(The artworks are being brought into the museum.)
8. Schreiben:
Über den Künstler ... ein Text ....
(A text is written about the artist.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Die Bilder ____ im Museum ausgestellt.

(The pictures ____ are exhibited in the museum.)

2. Das Lied ____ von einem Sänger gesungen.

(The song ____ is sung by a singer.)

3. Die Veranstaltung ____ organisiert.

(The event ____ is organized.)

4. Das Kunstwerk ____ von einem Künstler gemalt.

(The artwork ____ is painted by an artist.)

5. Der Schauspieler ____ dem Publikum vorgestellt.

(The actor ____ is introduced to the audience.)

6. Das Bild ____ von vielen Besuchern betrachtet.

(The picture ____ is viewed by many visitors.)

Understanding the German Process Passive Voice (Das Vorgangspassiv)

This lesson focuses on expressing ongoing actions and processes in German using the process passive voice, known as "Das Vorgangspassiv." It is a fundamental grammar structure, especially at the A1 level, that allows learners to describe actions focusing on the process rather than the subject performing them.

How the Process Passive is Formed

The process passive is constructed with the auxiliary verb werden combined with the Past Participle (Partizip II) of the main verb. This form highlights that an action is actively taking place.

Examples of the Process Passive

  • Die Bilder werden im Museum ausgestellt. (The pictures are exhibited in the museum.)
  • Das Lied wird von einem Sänger gesungen. (The song is sung by a singer.)
  • Die Veranstaltung wird organisiert. (The event is being organized.)
  • Das Kunstwerk wird von einem Künstler gemalt. (The artwork is painted by an artist.)
  • Der Schauspieler wird dem Publikum vorgestellt. (The actor is presented to the audience.)

Key Points to Remember

  • The process passive emphasizes the action in progress rather than who performs it.
  • The agent (the person carrying out the action) can be mentioned using von + Dativ but is not always necessary.
  • The verb werden is conjugated according to the subject and used together with the past participle.

Differences Between German and English

Unlike English, which often uses "is being" + past participle to form the present continuous passive, German uses the simple present form of werden plus past participle without an auxiliary like "being." For example, English "The song is being sung" corresponds to German "Das Lied wird gesungen."

Useful phrases include:

  • werden + Partizip II - to indicate an action in progress
  • von + Dativ - to specify who is performing the action (by someone)
  • Examples like „Das Bild wird von vielen Besuchern betrachtet.“ show how to mention the agent in the passive sentence.

By understanding and practicing these forms and examples, learners can improve their ability to describe ongoing actions and processes clearly in German.

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Sophie Schmidt

International Administration Management

Würzburger Dolmetscherschule

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 08:19