VerbsB2
Passiversatzformen
Alternative constructions that express passive meaning without werden
Learning Goal
Can use alternative passive constructions like lassen + sich
Exam Skills:ReadingWriting
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Das lässt sich leicht erklären.
That can be easily explained.
Die Hausaufgaben sind bis morgen zu erledigen.
The homework is to be completed by tomorrow.
Das Wasser ist trinkbar.
The water is drinkable.
Man darf hier nicht rauchen.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
German has several ways to express passive meaning without the werden-passive:
| Form | Beispiel | Bedeutung |
|---|---|---|
| man | Man spricht hier Deutsch. | German is spoken here. |
| sich lassen | Das lässt sich machen. | That can be done. |
| sein + zu + Inf. | Die Aufgabe ist zu lösen. | The task is to be solved. |
| -bar/-lich | Das ist machbar/löslich. | That is doable/solvable. |
Sich lassen = can be done: Das Fenster lässt sich nicht öffnen (can't be opened). Very common in spoken German.
Sein + zu + Infinitiv often implies obligation or possibility: Die Rechnung ist sofort zu bezahlen (must be paid immediately).
-bar adjectives (like English -able): essbar (edible), trinkbar (drinkable), machbar (feasible).
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises
Practice Exercises
- Overusing werden-passive: Often a Passiversatzform sounds more natural in German.
- Sein+zu meaning: Can mean 'must be' or 'can be' — context decides.
- Lassen vs. passive: Er lässt das Auto reparieren = He has the car repaired (causative, not passive).
Common Error Patterns
Incorrect verb ending for the subject
Review verb conjugation tables and practice matching endings to pronouns
Forgot stem vowel change in irregular verbs
Practice stem-changing verbs (e→i, e→ie, a→ä) with flashcards
Verb placed in wrong position
Remember: V2 in main clauses, verb-final in subordinate clauses
Das lässt sich leicht erklären.
That can be easily explained.
Sich lassen + Infinitiv = can be done.
Die Hausaufgaben sind bis morgen zu erledigen.
The homework is to be completed by tomorrow.
Sein + zu = must/should be done.
Das Wasser ist trinkbar.
The water is drinkable.
-bar adjective = can be done.
Man darf hier nicht rauchen.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Man as passive substitute.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises
Frequently asked questions
- When is Passiversatzformen used?
- German has several ways to express passive meaning without the werden-passive:
- How is Passiversatzformen formed?
- Sich lassen = can be done: Das Fenster lässt sich nicht öffnen (can't be opened). Very common in spoken German. Sein + zu + Infinitiv often implies obligation or possibility: Die Rechnung ist sofort zu bezahlen (must be paid immediately). -bar adjectives (like English -able): essbar (edible), trinkbar (drinkable), machbar (feasible).
- What are common mistakes with Passiversatzformen?
- Overusing werden-passive: Often a Passiversatzform sounds more natural in German. Sein+zu meaning: Can mean 'must be' or 'can be' — context decides. Lassen vs. passive: Er lässt das Auto reparieren = He has the car repaired (causative, not passive).