What is the difference between the sein-passive and the werden-passive?

Both the sein-passive and the werden-passive use a past participle. However the sein-passive uses the past participle as an adjective. For example; Die Wiese ist mit Blumen bedeckt translates as 'the meadow is covered in flowers.' 'Bedeckt' meaning 'covered' is used as an adjective, describing the noun 'Blumen.' When using the werden-passive, the past participle has a different function. The sentence 'Die Wiese wird mit Blumen bedeckt' means 'the meadow is being covered with flowers', using the present passive. Therefore the werden-passive describes an action taking place which affects the meadow, whereas the sein-passive merely describes its state.

Answered by Hannah J. German tutor

5975 Views

See similar German A Level tutors

Related German A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to speak, read, understand and analyse books or films like a Native German


The Multicultural society - Braucht man Tests, um Bürger zu integrieren?


How do you know when to use a relative pronoun, and which one do you use?


How do I know when to use "Akkusativ" or "Dativ"


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences