B2 · GRAMMAR
Advanced Passive: Zustandspassiv and Passive Alternatives
You learned the basics of the passive voice with werden. In B2, there are two new things. First, the Zustandspassiv (state passive): the resulting state after an action (Die Tür ist geschlossen: the door is closed). Second, alternative structures used instead of the passive: sich lassen, sein + zu, and the suffix -bar. These appear very frequently, especially in formal texts.
In this lesson
1. Vorgangspassiv
werden + P.II: process, an action is taking place.
Die Tür wird geschlossen.
The door is being closed.
2. Zustandspassiv
sein + P.II: result, state.
Die Tür ist geschlossen.
The door is closed.
3. sich lassen
= can be done (Passive + können).
Das Problem lässt sich lösen.
The problem can be solved.
4. sein + zu
= can be or must be done.
Der Antrag ist bis Montag abzugeben.
The application must be submitted by Monday.
5. -bar / -lich
= -able / can be (adjective).
Das Wasser ist trinkbar.
The water is drinkable.
💡 Think of the Zustandspassiv like adjectives showing a state: closed, open, finished, reserved. ist geschlossen = closed (state), werden geschlossen = is being closed (process).