Passive Voice in German – Learn How the German Passiv Works

Key takeaways

• The passive voice in German highlights the action instead of the person doing it.
• German uses werden for the dynamic passive and sein for the static passive.
• Clear patterns help you form passive sentences across different tenses.
• Short examples and simple rules support calm, steady German learning.

The passive voice in German helps you focus on what happens rather than who performs the action. This structure is common in news reports, instructions, and formal writing. Once you learn the patterns, it becomes a helpful tool for expressing actions with a neutral tone. If you want steady support, you can explore motivating German learning through Promova at your own pace.

What is the passive voice in German?

The passive voice (das Passiv) shifts attention to the action itself. Instead of focusing on the subject, the sentence shows what is done to someone or something.

Example:

• Aktiv: Der Koch bereitet das Essen zu.
• Passiv: Das Essen wird zubereitet.

The action stays clear, but the person doing it becomes less important.

Two types of passive in German

German uses two main passive forms:

• Vorgangspassiv (dynamic passive) → focuses on the action or process
• Zustandspassiv (static passive) → focuses on the result or condition of the action

Vorgangspassiv (werden-passive)

This form uses werden + Partizip II. It describes actions that are happening or being carried out.

Examples:

• Die Wohnung wird renoviert.
• Der Brief wurde geschickt.

Zustandspassiv (sein-passive)

This form uses sein + Partizip II. It describes a state that results from a completed action.

Examples:

• Die Tür ist geschlossen.
• Der Tisch war gedeckt.

How to form the German passive voice

The pattern stays simple across forms:

werden/sein + Partizip II

A few clear examples:

• Präsens: Das Auto wird repariert.
• Präteritum: Das Auto wurde repariert.
• Perfekt: Das Auto ist repariert worden.
• Futur: Das Auto wird repariert werden.

You can follow these steps:

1. Take any verb in Partizip II.

2. Choose the right form of *werden* or *sein*.

3. Keep word order calm and simple.

When to use passive voice in German

You may choose passive when:

• the person doing the action is unknown
• the person does not matter
• the focus is on the action or result
• you read instructions, signs, or news reports

Examples:

• Hier wird gebaut.
• Die Prüfung wird morgen geschrieben.

Passive with “von” and “durch”

If you want to mention who performs the action, German uses:

• von → for people
• durch → for instruments or means

Examples:

• Das Lied wird von Maria gesungen.
• Die Stadt wurde durch den Sturm beschädigt.

Tips for learning German passive forms

Friendly habits make the process easier:

• Start with Präsens examples to see the clear pattern.
• Learn Partizip II for common verbs first.
• Compare Aktiv vs. Passiv sentences to see the change.
• Keep your sentences short as you gain confidence.

These steps help you move through the forms with steady growth.

Learn the German passive voice with Promova

Promova offers short, friendly lessons that help you understand the German passive voice with clarity. You can practice with paired examples, guided exercises, and simple explanations that support your learning goals. Each session helps you grow comfort with word order, tense patterns, and Partizip II forms.

Final thoughts on the passive voice in German

The German passive voice helps you describe actions without focusing on the performer. With two main forms and clear patterns, the structure becomes easier with practice. You can explore it step by step and build your skills calmly.

FAQ

What is the difference between the two German passive forms?

The werden-passive shows an action in progress, and the sein-passive shows a state that results from a finished action.

Is passive voice common in daily German?

You see it often in signs, news articles, and instructions. You may hear it in conversations when the focus is on the action, not the person doing it.

How do I know whether to use “von” or “durch”?

Use von for people and durch for tools, means, or natural forces.

What is the easiest way to start practicing the passive?

Begin with Präsens forms like “Das Auto wird repariert” before exploring other tenses. This helps you follow the pattern without pressure.