Funktionsverbgefüge
Funktionsverbgefüge — for English Speakers
Introduction
Funktionsverbgefüge are fixed combinations where a noun carries the meaning and the verb is semantically 'light': 'in Betracht ziehen' (to consider, lit. to pull into consideration), 'zur Verfügung stellen' (to provide, lit. to place at disposal). English has similar constructions ('take action', 'make a decision', 'give consideration'), so the concept is familiar. They're characteristic of formal, bureaucratic, and academic German.
German vs English
In German
in Betracht ziehen (to consider / take into consideration)
In English
take into consideration
Key Difference
Both use a light verb + noun phrase for what a simple verb could express.
In German
zur Verfügung stellen (to provide / make available)
In English
make available / put at someone's disposal
Key Difference
Same formal register in both languages — a multi-word phrase replacing a simple verb.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Ich stelle in Verfügung. (missing zur and wrong preposition)
Mixing up the preposition — these are fixed phrases; you must memorize the exact preposition.
Wir müssen Betracht ziehen.
Forgetting the preposition 'in' — light verb constructions have fixed prepositional patterns.
Practice Examples
Wir sollten das in Betracht ziehen.
We should take that into consideration.
Die Unterlagen stehen zur Verfügung.
The documents are available.
Er hat die Entscheidung in Frage gestellt.
He questioned the decision.
Memory Tip
Funktionsverbgefüge are the SUIT AND TIE of German — formal versions of simple verbs. Learn them as fixed phrases.
View Grammar Rule
Funktionsverbgefüge
Funktionsverbgefüge — C1
Practice Exercises
Funktionsverbgefüge Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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