ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses that passive is less common in German than in English. Using the passive is a way to shift the focus from the subject to the object. The main objective of the passive is to shift the emphasis to the object. It is the accusative object which can be transformed into the 'new' subject. Using the passive form can lead to mistakes, though, as not every verb which can be used to express status in English can be used in this way in German. English speakers might be stumped when having to translate expressions like 'Das lasst sich machen'. Knowing that it is a version of 'Das kann gemacht werden' or 'This can be done' will make it easier. Knowing which verbs take accusative objects will help a great deal. The accusative object is the 'something' in expressions like: 'to like something', 'to make something', 'to see something'.
