ABSTRACT
The uses of the passive in German, and other constructions which are the equivalent of passives, are explained in this chapter, i.e.: the werden-passive; the sein-passive, and the differences between it and the werden-passive; the use of von and durch for English ‘by’ with the passive; and other German constructions with passive meaning. We typically express actions using the active voice, both in English and in German. An active sentence tells us what is happening and who or what is doing it. But we can present a different perspective on an action by using the passive voice, which places the emphasis on what is going on, without necessarily saying who or what is doing it. Some textbooks of German for English learners suggest that the passive is used less often in German and it should be avoided if possible. This is misleading. The passive is used frequently in German, particularly in formal writing, but it is not unusual in speech.
