Avoiding the Passive Flashcards

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1
Q

The Construction man + an Active Verb

A

The construction man + an active verb can be used instead of the passive voice. Man translates to one, you, we, they, people and constitutes the subject.

Diese Bluse wird gereinigt. This blouse is being dry-cleaned
Man reinigtdiese Bluse. They are dry-cleaning this blouse.
Der Dieb wurde gefunden. The thief was caught
Man fandden Dieb. They caught the thief.

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2
Q

Man + Modal + an Infinitive

A

Man + modal + an infinitive is frequently used with müssen or können.

Der Flecken kann nicht entfernt werden. The stain cannot be removed.
Den Fleckenkann mannichtentfernen. We can’t remove the stain.

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3
Q

Sein + zu + an Infinitive

A

Sein + zu + an infinitive can be used with können or müssen to express the possibility or necessity of an action.

Das kann schnell gemacht werden. That can be done quickly.
Dasistschnellzu machen. That is quickly done.

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4
Q

Sich Lassen + an Infinitive

A

Sich lassen + an infinitive can replace können and a passive infinitive.

Das kann gemacht werden. That can be done.
Dasläßt sich machen. That can be done.

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