Nominalisierung von Verben
Turning actions into nouns for concise formal German. 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. What is nominalisation?
Nominalisation converts a verb or an entire action into a noun phrase. It is common in formal reports, instructions and academic texts.
Example: “Wir analysieren die Daten” → “Die Analyse der Daten”. The nominal phrase can make writing concise but may also sound heavier if overused.
2. Capitalisation and articles
Nouns are capitalised. Nominalised infinitives are neuter and written with a capital letter: das Lesen, das Lernen, beim Essen, zum Üben.
Verb-to-noun forms may use endings such as -ung, -tion, -ment or -e, but not every verb has a predictable noun form. Learn common pairs: entscheiden–die Entscheidung; entwickeln–die Entwicklung; teilnehmen–die Teilnahme.
3. Prepositions and genitive phrases
Prepositions can turn an action into a compact noun phrase: “Nachdem wir den Antrag geprüft hatten” → “Nach der Prüfung des Antrags”.
Nominal style often uses genitive or prepositional complements. Keep the meaning clear and avoid stacking too many nouns into one sentence.
4. Verb style versus nominal style
Verbal style is often direct and easy to read. Nominal style can be compact and formal: “Nachdem wir die Daten ausgewertet hatten, veröffentlichten wir die Ergebnisse” → “Nach der Auswertung der Daten wurden die Ergebnisse veröffentlicht.”
Do not nominalise every verb. Use the style appropriate to the audience and purpose.
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.
Entscheiden becomes die Entscheidung.
Entwicklung is the corresponding noun.
Nominalised infinitives are neuter and capitalised.
The subordinate clause becomes a prepositional noun phrase.
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. How is a nominalised infinitive written?
2. Which noun corresponds to entscheiden?
3. What is a common function of nominalisation?
4. Choose the correct phrase.
5. Which statement is good writing advice?
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.
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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.