Introduction to Passive with Modal Verbs
In German, modal verbs (like können, sollen, müssen, etc.) can be used in the passive voice to express what can, should, or must be done. This is formed by using the modal verb with the passive construction of the main verb (werden + past participle).
Basic Structure
The structure for forming the passive with modal verbs is as follows:
Modal Verb + past participle of main verb + werden
Das Auto muss repariert werden. - The car must be repaired.
Die Hausaufgaben können gemacht werden. - The homework can be done.
Der Brief soll geschrieben werden. - The letter should be written.
Passive with Modal Verbs in Different Tenses
Present Tense (Präsens)
In the present tense, the modal verb is conjugated, followed by the past participle and werden at the end.
Das Projekt muss abgeschlossen werden. - The project must be completed.
Das Essen kann gekocht werden. - The food can be cooked.
Past Tense (Präteritum)
In the simple past, the modal verb is used in its past form, followed by the past participle and werden at the end.
Das Haus musste renoviert werden. - The house had to be renovated.
Die Dokumente konnten gefunden werden. - The documents could be found.
Present Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
For the present perfect, haben is conjugated, followed by the past participle, the infinitive form of the modal verb, and werden at the end.
Das Auto hat repariert werden müssen. - The car has had to be repaired.
Die Fenster haben geputzt werden können. - The windows have been able to be cleaned.
Examples in Sentences
Here are additional examples of passive sentences with modal verbs:
1. Das Zimmer muss aufgeräumt werden. - The room must be tidied up.
2. Die Arbeit soll bis morgen erledigt werden. - The work should be completed by tomorrow.
3. Der Bericht konnte rechtzeitig geschrieben werden. - The report could be written on time.
4. Die Anweisungen müssen genau befolgt werden. - The instructions must be followed precisely.
Note: Practice combining modal verbs with the passive voice in various tenses to master this structure.