Passiv mit Modalverben
Passiv mit Modalverben — for English Speakers
Introduction
Combining passive with modals in German follows the pattern: modal + Partizip II + werden. 'Das Formular muss ausgefüllt werden' = 'The form must be filled out'. English has the same concept (must be done, can be seen) but doesn't need 'werden' at the end. The double-verb ending (participle + werden) is the main challenge for English speakers.
German vs English
In German
Das muss gemacht werden. (must be done)
In English
That must be done.
Key Difference
Same meaning — German adds 'werden' at the end where English just uses 'be + done'.
In German
Der Text kann gelesen werden. (can be read)
In English
The text can be read.
Key Difference
Parallel structure: modal + passive. German stacks participle + werden at the end.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Das Formular muss werden ausgefüllt.
Wrong verb order — werden must come at the very end, after the past participle.
Die Arbeit soll erledigt.
Dropping 'werden' entirely — English doesn't need an extra word, but German passive always requires werden.
Practice Examples
Die E-Mail muss sofort beantwortet werden.
The email must be answered immediately.
Das kann leicht erklärt werden.
That can be easily explained.
Der Bericht soll bis Freitag geschrieben werden.
The report should be written by Friday.
Memory Tip
Modal + participle + WERDEN — the triple stack. Think: 'muss gemacht werden' = must-made-become.
View Grammar Rule
Passiv mit Modalverben
Passiv mit Modalverben — B1
Practice Exercises
Passiv mit Modalverben Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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