ROADMAP · B2 · Natural communication with native speakers on various topics
Passiversatzformen
The problem can be solved.
EXPLANATION
Passiversatzformen are alternatives to the passive. They keep the meaning of possibility, necessity, or a general statement, but the sentence often sounds more natural than a passive clause.
German often avoids the passive by using forms with a modal meaning: sich lassen + Infinitiv for possibility, sein + zu + Infinitiv for duty or necessity, and adjectives in -bar or -lich for what can be done or understood. These forms are common in written German and in careful neutral style.
STRUCTURE
sich lassen (conjugated) + InfinitivUse this when something is possible or not possible, often with a clear object.
- Die Aufgabe lässt sich schnell lösen.The task can be solved quickly.
- Dieses Fenster lässt sich nicht öffnen.This window cannot be opened.
- Die Karte lässt sich leicht lesen.The map is easy to read.
sein (conjugated) + zu + InfinitivThis form is common in formal instructions and notices.
- Die Formulare sind bis Freitag abzugeben.The forms must be handed in by Friday.
- Der Eingang ist freizuhalten.The entrance must be kept clear.
- Die Termine sind genau einzuhalten.The deadlines must be strictly observed.
Adjektiv with -bar / -lichThese adjectives compress a passive idea into one word.
- Der Brief ist sofort lesbar.The letter is immediately readable.
- Die Erklärung ist verständlich.The explanation is understandable.
- Die Datei ist nicht öffentlich zugänglich.The file is not publicly accessible.
OVERVIEW
Common passive alternatives and their meaning
| Form | Meaning | Typical use | Passive idea |
|---|---|---|---|
| sich lassen + Infinitiv | possible / can be done | neutral everyday language | can be done |
| sein + zu + Infinitiv | necessary / must be done | instructions, formal notices | must be done |
| -bar / -lich | can be ... / understandable | adjectival alternative | often replaces a clause |
| man | people in general | general statements | no specific actor |
| bekommen / kriegen + Partizip II | receive something done to you | spoken German, personal receiver | receiver-focused passive |
COMMON MISTAKES
Die Regeln müssen zu beachten.
Die Regeln sind zu beachten.
With sein + zu + Infinitiv, the meaning is obligation or necessity. müssen beachtet werden is passive; the structure here is the alternative form.
Der Text ist gut leslich.
Der Text ist gut lesbar.
The suffix -bar expresses that something can be done: readable, washable, solvable. -lich often forms adjectives too, but not with this 'can be ...' meaning.
Man sagen, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
Man sagt, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
Man is used for an unspecified subject. A passive sentence like Es wird gesagt is possible too, but this item trains the general man construction.
Ich werde das Paket morgen geschickt.
Ich bekomme das Paket morgen geschickt.
In the bekommen/kriegen-passive, the finite verb is bekommen or kriegen, not the ordinary passive auxiliary werden. The sentence focuses on the receiver, not on the action itself.
USAGE NOTES
- sich lassen + Infinitiv is often used with verbs like lösen, erklären, reparieren, öffnen. It sounds less formal than a passive clause.
- sein + zu + Infinitiv often means obligation in instructions, notices, and formal writing: ist zu beachten, sind zu vermeiden.
- With -bar and -lich, check the meaning carefully: essbar = edible, sichtbar = visible, verständlich = understandable. The suffix does not always match the English translation one-to-one.
- The bekommen/kriegen-passive is common in spoken German, especially with a personal receiver: Ich bekomme Besuch angekündigt, Sie kriegt das Geld überwiesen.
RELATED
Pick the answer that completes the sentence
Das Problem ＿＿ lösen.
The problem can be solved.