When and how to use Partizip 1 in German
Are you ready to take your German language skills to the next level? Then, it's time to learn about the power of Partizip 1! Whether you're writing or speaking, understanding when and how to use Partizip 1 will give your language a dynamic boost. So, let's dive in and discover the exciting world of Partizip 1 in German!
The German “Partizip”
In German, two distinct types of participle exist: the Partizip I or "Partizip Present" and the Partizip 2, also known as "Partizip Perfekt". Although most learners initially encounter Partizip 2 since it is required to construct past tenses such as “Perfekt” and “Plusquamperfekt”, one should not underestimate the significance of mastering Partzip 1.
Recommended study materials on the topic:
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
B-Grammar: Practice German grammar (incl. answers)
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What is Partizip 1 in German?
In German, Partizip 1 describes an ongoing process. You use it when you would like to form an adjective out of a verb that describes:
actions that are taking place at a certain moment
actions taking place simultaneously
When you insert Partizip 1 between an article and a noun, it follows the usual German adjective declination.
For example:
Normal sentence:
Die Suppe kocht und ist heiß. = The soup is boiling and hot.
Der Mann sitzt auf dem Sofa und liest. = The man sits on the sofa and reads.
Partizip 1:
Die kochende Suppe ist heiß. = The boiling soup is hot.
Der lesende Vater sitzt auf dem Sofa. = The reading father is sitting on the sofa.
Forming Partizip 1
To create the present participle, simply add "-d" or, in a few cases "-end" to the verb's infinitive form.
Ending “-d”
Most verbs form Partizip 1 by simply adding “-d” to the infinitive.
Example 1:
spielen (to play) = spielend (playing)
Die Kinder spielen. = die spielenden Kinder (the paying children)
Example 2:
gehen (to walk) = gehend (walking)
Der Mann geht. = der gehende Mann (the walking man)
Ending “-end”
Some (and actually very few) of the verbs can be better pronounced when an -end is added.
Example 1:
weh tun = weh tuend (hurting)
Der Kopf tut weh - der weh tuende Kopf (the aching head)
Example 2:
sein = seiend (being)
Die Frau ist in Kanada. - die in Kanada seiende Frau
Further usage of Partizip 1
1. You can also form the Partizip I into a noun.
arbeitend → der/die Arbeitende (the working one / the worker)
studieren → der/die Studierende (the studying one / the student)
2. The participle I in connection with "zu" forms the so-called gerundive. This attribute is a passive substitute and indicates a need or a possibility.
Example 1:
Partizip 1: die zu machende Arbeit → the work to be done
Passive : Die Arbeit muss gemacht werden → The work needs to be done
Example 2:
Partizip 1: das nicht zu lösendes Problem → the unsolvable problem
Passive: Das Problem kann nicht gelöst werden. → The problem cannot be solved.
Conclusion
I sincerely hope this article has given you a comprehensive insight into the appropriate usage of Partizip 1 in German. Additionally, it may be worthwhile for you to dive deeper into mastering the correct approach toward forming Partizip 2 forms as well!
Bis bald!
Steffie
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