Active and passive voice in German
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
If a subject of a sentence acts upon an object, the sentence is written in the "normal" active form. The activity of the subject is expressed by the active form. Example: Sie kauft das Buch. - She buys the book.
An alternative to this sentence structure is the passive voice. The subject (in this case "das Buch") of the sentence receives an action. Example: Das Buch wird von ihr gekauft. - The book is bought by her.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
There are two different passive voices in the German language. The first one is built of werden + past participle. The second one is built of sein + past participle.
The processual passive is used to set the action itself priority. By whom the action was caused is unknown and not important. The passive voice can be formed for all tenses in the German language. But only werden changes according to the personal pronouns to form the tenses. The past participle remains the same.
tense | example |
---|---|
present | Das Buch wird gekauft. |
present perfect | Das Buch ist gekauft worden. |
simple past | Das Buch wurde gekauft. |
past perfect | Das Buch war gekauft worden. |
future | Das Buch wird gekauft werden. |
future perfect | Das Buch wird gekauft worden sein. |
The stative passive describes the condition after an action.
tense | example |
---|---|
present | Das Buch ist gekauft. |
present perfect | Das Buch ist gekauft gewesen. |
simple past | Das Buch war gekauft. |
past perfect | Das Buch war gekauft gewesen. |
future | Das Buch wird gekauft sein. |
future perfect | Das Buch wird gekauft gewesen sein. |
active | translation | passive | translation |
---|---|---|---|
Ich trinke Wasser. | I'm drinking water | Das Wasser wird von mir getrunken. | The water is being drunk by me |
Ich hob den Stuhl. | I picked up the chair | Der Stuhl wurde von mir gehoben. | The chair was picked up by me |
Er hat das Essen gekocht. | He cooked the food | Das Essen ist von ihm gekocht gewesen. | The food was cooked by him |
Er hatte das Essen gekocht. | He has cooked the food | Das Essen war von ihm gekocht worden. | The food has been cooked by him |
Ich werde den Stuhl heben. | I will pick up the chair | Der Stuhl wird von mir gehoben werden. | The chair will be picked up by me |
Ich werde den Stuhl gehoben haben. | I will have picked up the chair | Der Stuhl wird von mir gehoben worden sein. | The will have been picked up by me |
You have learned about the two different passive forms and when to use them. Apply your theoretical knowledge in our exercises of the passive voice.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
My name is Christina and I provide fun German&and French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!
I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Christina is very helpful in correcting my grammar and sentence structures and providing materials to learn new vocabulary.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I am Christin!
After training as a pastry chef and studying business administration, I traveled a lot and discovered my interest in languages. To find out more about teaching languages, I decided on further training at the Goethe Institute and completed it. During the Goethe Institute "Learn to teach German" course I was able to give individual language lessons and actively support the examination preparation for the Goethe certificate.
My lessons are needs-oriented. That means that learning goals are discussed with you and based on your level of knowledge. Whether grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, expression or the practice of communication situations: German as a foreign and second language classes are flexible and take place in a group or one-to-one lessons with individual support and are based on your wishes and requirements. The teaching of content and topics takes place according to the respective language level. Building vocabulary, grammar and means of speaking are structured and conveyed logically building on each other. Let's get to know each other in a free trial class. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Christin is a great teacher. We are talking about very interesting and different topics. Lots of material to learn. She is also very flexible. I'm very satisfied.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela has helped me along with improving my german language skills over the past nine months with great success. She has a clear structured approach but constantly adapts the lessons to your needs and interests to keep you motivated. During the lessons, she consistently adds vocabulary to the discussion, meaning that you are always learning more without the feeling of being overwhelmed with information. She is also very flexible with bookings. I can positively recommend learning german with Mihaela.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm a Italian/German bilingual teacher form Florence!
I offer lessons for beginners as well as for advanced speakers. I carry out different kinds of lessons: I could help you for example to prepare for a test, for your trip to Italy or for more advanced needs.
The lessons are focused on improving listening/comprehension skills as well as reading, writing, speaking and grammar.
If you want to know more about my methods, just book a trial lesson! It's free! I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The lesson was perfectly geared to my needs. As my requirement for learning does not fit easily in any 'set course' or classroom situation, this individual approach, looking at what I need and then providing it, suits me very well indeed. I am very happy with the way in which the teaching / learning experience is going so far and would certainly recommend Niccoló.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello German learner! I am a dedicated teacher for DaF (German as a foreign language) studying and working in Germany. I have already gained teaching experience with different age groups and nationalities while teaching German in various language schools.
Currently, I'm doing my second studies in German, English, and Teaching at the University of Bonn. (I already got my Master's Degree in German and Literature). Besides, I teach in a local language school as well as tutor students online on Colanguage.
In my free time, I learn French and Dutch and hope to become a true polyglot one day :)
So as you can see, I'm all into languages and love my profession as a teacher!
I can help you learn general German, develop your communicational skills as well as prepare you for language tests (Goethe Zertifikat, Telc, etc).
Just book a trial lesson with me and we'll find out which course is right for you.
See you soon
Anush
PS. IMPORTANT! Currently, I only work with adults aged 18 and over - so NO courses for children, sorry.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Anush is a great teacher! Her advices and corrections are to the point and very helpful. My demands were high enough and sie could provide the necessary solutions and the necessary help , that I needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello,
my name is Nina, I'm from Austria and I also lived for one year and a half in Canada. I worked there as a German Teacher for adults, so I speak German, English and French.
I also teach English for beginners and advanced beginners.
My teaching methodes are totally based on the level of my student. If somebody is already advanced, I focus on communication and pronunciation. We will arrange on a topic and talk and discuss in the lesson about it.
If my student is a beginner, I'm gonna start with the basics of the German language. (the articles, the verb "to be", the pronouns...)
The learning material is all made by myself, because I'm a German teacher, so that means, I already got lots of working sheets for many topics. I send these to my student via e-mail or put it directly on the coLanguage homepage.
I'm available from Monday to Thursday between 5pm and 08:00 pm. For the weekend it's the best to just send me a request.
Of course is a free trial lesson (it's about 20 minutes) possible.
I'm happy to teach you :-)
See you soon! Nina
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Today Nina helped me to fill out a couple of papers. Thank you Nina for your help and patience :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My interest in learning foreign languages has arisen since I was a young girl. At 13 I made up my mind to attend the foreign language high school where I graduaded with proficiency. After a few years I got my University degree.
I have been teaching for a few years privately via Skype Italian mainly to German adult students. My method is based to consolidate the grammar knowledge if previuosly done or to base it by catching their attention on interesting topics. I provide my students all material needed to plan a valuable lesson and for this reason I have gathered fulfilling reviews on other teaching platforms
About Italian students studying German with me, most of them are interested in deeping topics dealt at school or being prepared to get a certification.
I look forward to hearing from you
Maria Grazia
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very interesting and useful lessons. Maria Grazia always punctual and precise, we worked very well and she was always very kind
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Bianka is friendly and very patient. She is from Germany so I can learn the German pronunciations very well with her. I recommend Bianka if you are looking for a German teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
My name's Eleonora. I am from Ukraine. I am a qualified teacher and a Russian native speaker.
In 2007 I graduated from pedagogical university and since that time I work as a teacher. I love my job and always ready to share my knowledge with everyone.
If you want to improve your Russian, English or German or start learning them you will definitely like my lessons. My classes are developed for each student according to their level, interests and needs.
I try to make lessons various and use different kinds of teaching methods, exercises and technologies. My lessons include:
My schedule is quite flexible so contact me and we'll arrange the time for lessons.
See you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Eleonora is very friendly and methodological teacher, perfectly adapting to students needs. I have enjoyed my every class learning.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Highly-experienced TEFL certified business English teacher and interview coach specializing in one-to-one tailored classes to your level. With over 7 years of English teaching and coaching experience in leading companies in Spain such as PWC, Deloitte, Telefonica, Vodafone, Ogilvy & Mather as well as the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Development.
Level-up your business English or prepare for that interview with customised 60-hour Zoom or Skype sessions.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lisa is a very professional and experienced teacher. She can help you with Business English and prepare you for interviews, work meetings and so much more. Highly recommended!!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Olá amigos! My name is Nathália, I'm Brazilian and I teach Portuguese as a second language. I had my graduation in French and I have experience as a foreign language tutor in Brazil, for adults and children. I would like to invite you to visit my classes, in which we will discuss your goals and the best way to achieve them. As a teacher, my goal is to make the student communicative and autonomous in the new language from the first lessons, working with methodological support and cultural immersion. All materials are produced and supplied by me and are easily adaptable to my students' needs.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Nathalia's communication was perfect in setting up the lesson and she is very encouraging in introducing the topic. I immediately felt comfortable studying a topic for me which is almost completely new and am looking forward to doing so again. I would really recommend Nathalia.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello !
I am a teacher of French as a Foreign Language (FLE), with a Master's degree in Training Engineering, specialising in FLE, Professional French and International Cooperation. Your needs are individual: we evaluate them together and I propose you an adapted learning based on my experience as a student as well as in a professional situation. No traditional pedagogy, we will use IT tools (TICE) to live a playful experience, inscribed in the action pedagogy, communicative method. I will accompany you whatever your level, including in the preparation for the exams for which I am qualified (France Education International, ex CIEP, DELF/DALF).
It is the exchange that is important, we move forward together.
Passionate about this profession, it is the diversity of intercultural exchanges that enriches my practice, a necessary complement to my activity in training engineering. I need to keep in touch with learners, so see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Isabel is a french teacher who is qualified and has a great deal of experience. She has taught in different countries including the USA and Japan, and counts with different learning materials to help achieve different objectives.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Thanks to many years of experience, I offer you professional language instruction via Skype.
I am a native speaker (bilingual German and English) and have been working with Skype for over 9 years. The courses are optimally tailored to your language level and job description. Arrange a trial lesson.
Proficient handling of everyday German, leading to various certificates (Goethe Certificates, DaF etc.), specific courses for the professional field (hotel, tourism, law, medicine - FACHSPRACHENPRÜFUNG MEDIZIN, technology, business.....).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Belinda is an excellent teacher. The learning materials are great and I'm learning lots speaking to a native German speaker. 100% would recommend!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a native German speaker and am teaching English and German as foreign languages. I have got a teaching degree and have been teaching English and German for more than two years to all levels and age groups.
I personally prefer to speak in the learning language as much as possible and to focus on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, I like to cover practical topics that can be used in your everyday life and make classes as diverse and dynamic as possible. Nevertheless, I am always open-minded to suggestions coming from students.
Concerning materials I like to use a course book and in addition worksheets, audios, videos, etc.
In case you have got any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Anna is a very well prepared and good teacher. She is a good teacher, dedicated to teach you. Would recommend her for everyone who would like to learn German.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I am teaching English and German, all levels. online and at home
I am very experienced
Meet you soon!
German is my native language and English is my passion. I am a Sworn Translator EN<>DED and can also translate your documents. I have a seal and what I translate in this language pair can be presented to all authorities all over the world.
Let's get started!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very happy with the first lesson! This teacher has good understanding of what is needed by student, she is nice and friendly, uses time and material effectively.
Uta H.Thank you very much for your excellent rating. See you on Monday :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials