Passive with modal verbs
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
modal + past participle + werden.
How it works
A modal verb can be combined with the passive. The modal is conjugated, the past participle comes next, and werden stands at the very end: Das muss sofort gemacht werden (This must be done immediately). The structure shows obligation, possibility or permission for an action without naming who performs it.
When to use it
Combine a modal verb with the passive, as in "Das muss gemacht werden" (That must be done).
Use cases
- Stating an obligation without naming the doer: Die Akten müssen heute unterschrieben werden
- Describing what is possible: Das kann man leicht reparieren
- Stating what is not allowed: Hier darf nicht geraucht werden
Examples
- Das muss gemacht werden – That must be done
- Das Problem kann schnell gelöst werden. – The problem can be solved quickly.
- Die Tür soll geschlossen werden. – The door should be closed.
- Die Rechnung muss bis Freitag bezahlt werden. – The bill must be paid by Friday.
Common mistake
Putting werden in the wrong place: it comes at the end after the participle.
Memory tip
Modal + participle + werden: "Das muss gemacht werden."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.