Reported and formal voiceGermanB2

Stative passive with sein

Use sein plus participle to describe the resulting state rather than the action itself.

Examples

GermanTranslation
Die Fenster sind schon geschlossen.

The windows are already closed.

Die Dokumente sind vorbereitet.

The documents are prepared.

Der Raum ist gut beleuchtet.

The room is well lit.

Pattern

sein + participle

How it works

Use sein plus participle to describe the resulting state rather than the action itself. This pattern typically appears as sein + participle and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.

What to notice

  • Werden focuses on the process, while sein often focuses on the resulting state.
  • This contrast is useful in formal description and technical writing.

Why it matters

Make information feel less personal, more reported, or more institutional.

Use in context

This helps you distinguish between an event and the condition that remains after it.