Passiv mit sein
Stative passive and the result of an action. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Zustandspassiv: sein + Partizip II
The stative passive describes a state or result, rather than the process itself: “Die Tür ist geschlossen.” It uses sein + past participle.
Compare: “Die Tür wird geschlossen” describes the process; “Die Tür ist geschlossen” describes the resulting state.
2. Tense and agreement
The participle behaves like an adjective in agreement contexts only when it is used attributively; in the predicate stative passive it normally remains unchanged. The auxiliary sein changes with tense: “war geschlossen”, “ist geschlossen gewesen” (less common in everyday contexts).
The context determines whether a participle describes a state, a completed action or an adjective-like property. Not every sein + participle sequence is automatically a passive.
3. State versus process
Ask whether the sentence answers “What is happening?” or “What state is it in?” Process: “Die Fenster werden geöffnet.” State: “Die Fenster sind geöffnet.”
Some verbs form natural stative passive constructions more readily than others. Focus on clear examples and the intended meaning.
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Sein + participle describes the state.
The plural subject uses sind.
War is the simple past of sein.
Werden + participle focuses on the process happening now.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which structure commonly forms the stative passive?
2. Which sentence focuses on a process?
3. Which sentence describes a state?
4. Choose the correct agreement.
5. Why compare werden-passive and sein-passive?
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
Related German learning resources
B2 German Grammar Hub →
Return to the full B2 grammar collection.
Online German B2 Course →
Explore structured B2 German learning with Fortgang Institut.
German Vocabulary Hub →
Build vocabulary to support grammar in context.
Test Your German →
Review your level and identify the next study goals.
B1 Grammar Hub →
Revise the foundations that support accurate B2 German.
Explore Learning Resources →
Discover additional resources for independent study.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.