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Passive with a modal verb

Passiv mit Modalverb

Modal verbs combine with the passive: modal + + 'werden'.

Structure

Modalverb (konjugiert) + Partizip II + werden

modal verb (conjugated) + past participle + werden

Details

Part of Speech
Voice
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Standard

Explanation

What it is. Modal verbs (müssen, können, dürfen, sollen ...) can be combined with the passive to express necessity, possibility or permission in - "must be done", "can be repaired", "may not be smoked".

How it is formed. The is conjugated in second position; at the very end of the clause stand the Partizip II followed by the werden:

  • (konjugiert) + ... + + werden.

Examples.

  • Die Aufgabe muss bis morgen erledigt werden. - The task must be done by tomorrow.
  • Das Auto kann heute noch repariert werden. - The car can still be repaired today.
  • Hier darf nicht geraucht werden. - Smoking is not allowed here.

Common mistakes. The order at the end is fixed: Partizip II + werden, never werden + Partizip II. So it is gemacht werden, not werden gemacht. The werden (not worden or wird) closes the clause.

About Passive with a modal verb

Modal verbs combine with the passive: modal + + 'werden'.

The is conjugated; at the end of the clause stand the followed by the 'werden'. It expresses necessity, possibility, etc. in the passive.

verbinden sich mit dem : Modalverb + + werden.

Caution

The infinitive 'werden' stands at the very end, after the Partizip II: 'Das muss heute gemacht werden', not '... werden gemacht'.

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