Nominal- und Verbalstil
Nominal-/Verbalstil — for English Speakers
Introduction
German distinguishes between nominal style (noun-heavy: 'Die Durchführung des Projekts') and verbal style (verb-centric: 'Das Projekt durchführen'). English has the same distinction but is less extreme — German academic and bureaucratic writing is far more nominalized than English typically is. Knowing when to use which style is a C1 skill: nominal for formality and density, verbal for clarity and readability.
German vs English
In German
Die Durchführung des Projekts (nominal)
In English
The implementation of the project (nominal English)
Key Difference
Both languages nominalize; German does it more extensively and with more complex case chains.
In German
Als wir ankamen (verbal) vs. Bei unserer Ankunft (nominal)
In English
When we arrived (verbal) vs. Upon our arrival (nominal)
Key Difference
Same register contrast in both languages. German nominal style uses more preposition+genitive chains.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Using heavy nominal style in casual conversation.
Nominal style sounds bureaucratic in speech — save it for formal writing; use verbal style in conversation.
Avoiding nominalization entirely in an academic paper.
German academic convention expects nominal density — too much verbal style can sound informal.
Practice Examples
Verbal: Als wir das Problem lösten. Nominal: Bei der Lösung des Problems.
When we solved the problem. / Upon solving the problem.
Verbal: Nachdem er angekommen war. Nominal: Nach seiner Ankunft.
After he had arrived. / After his arrival.
Verbal: Weil die Kosten steigen. Nominal: Aufgrund steigender Kosten.
Because costs are rising. / Due to rising costs.
Memory Tip
Nominal = NOUN-heavy (formal, dense). Verbal = VERB-driven (clear, dynamic). Match the style to the register.
View Grammar Rule
Nominal- und Verbalstil
Nominal-/Verbalstil — C1
Practice Exercises
Nominal- und Verbalstil Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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