By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Learning the whole combination
- A direct-object combination
- A fixed preposition
- State or onset of a process
- Negation and completion
- Paraphrase and meaning nuances
Simple explanation
Funktionsverbgefüge are fixed verb-noun combinations used frequently in formal German. They often replace simple verbs and make language sound more precise and professional. This lesson explains their structure, meaning, common examples, typical mistakes, and how to use them correctly at B2 level.
Learning the whole combination
In a Funktionsverbgefüge, the noun carries much of the meaning and the verb is general: eine Entscheidung treffen. Learn verb, article and preposition together; a semantically similar verb is not freely substitutable. Entscheiden machen is not the standard pattern.
A direct-object combination
Eine Entscheidung treffen, einen Beitrag leisten and eine Frage stellen use the appropriate accusative noun phrase. The verb inflects: Sie hat einen Beitrag geleistet. Learn article and number with each phrase rather than removing them mechanically.
A fixed preposition
Treat zur Verfügung stehen and in Betracht ziehen as lexical combinations. Zur contracts zu der; in is not simply motion toward a place here. The whole expression governs its preposition and case, not a generic wo/wohin rule.
State or onset of a process
In Verbindung stehen describes a relation; in Verbindung treten can mark initiating contact. Zur Verfügung stellen makes something available, while zur Verfügung stehen describes availability. Changing the verb can change participants or the phase of the process.
Negation and completion
Negation follows the construction: keine Entscheidung treffen, nicht zur Verfügung stehen. Choose kein or nicht from the noun phrase and article pattern, not merely the presence of a noun. Additional complements must also match the phrase's meaning and government.
Paraphrase and meaning nuances
Some combinations approximate a simple verb, but removing the noun can change focus, degree or register. In Erwägung ziehen considers a possibility rather than accepting it. Identify final decision, initiation, availability or consideration before choosing a paraphrase.
Usage reference table
| Pattern or function | Target-language model |
|---|---|
| Learning the whole combination | Wir wollen morgen eine Entscheidung treffen. |
| A direct-object combination | Anna hat einen wichtigen Beitrag geleistet. |
| A fixed preposition | Das Auto steht mir zur Verfügung. |
| State or onset of a process | Die Unterlagen stehen zur Verfügung. |
| Negation and completion | Wir haben noch keine Entscheidung getroffen. |
| Meaning in context | Anna trifft heute eine Entscheidung über das Angebot. |
Grammar formula
Learning the whole combination
Verb + Artikel/Präposition + Nomeneine Entscheidung treffen
A fixed preposition
Verb + Präposition + Nomenin Betracht ziehen
Paraphrase and meaning nuances
einfaches Verb → Funktionsverbgefügeentscheiden → eine Entscheidung treffen
Core rules
- 1
Learning the whole combination
In a Funktionsverbgefüge, the noun carries much of the meaning and the verb is general: eine Entscheidung treffen. Learn verb, article and preposition together; a semantically similar verb is not freely substitutable. Entscheiden machen is not the standard pattern.
- 2
A direct-object combination
Eine Entscheidung treffen, einen Beitrag leisten and eine Frage stellen use the appropriate accusative noun phrase. The verb inflects: Sie hat einen Beitrag geleistet. Learn article and number with each phrase rather than removing them mechanically.
- 3
A fixed preposition
Treat zur Verfügung stehen and in Betracht ziehen as lexical combinations. Zur contracts zu der; in is not simply motion toward a place here. The whole expression governs its preposition and case, not a generic wo/wohin rule.
- 4
State or onset of a process
In Verbindung stehen describes a relation; in Verbindung treten can mark initiating contact. Zur Verfügung stellen makes something available, while zur Verfügung stehen describes availability. Changing the verb can change participants or the phase of the process.
- 5
Negation and completion
Negation follows the construction: keine Entscheidung treffen, nicht zur Verfügung stehen. Choose kein or nicht from the noun phrase and article pattern, not merely the presence of a noun. Additional complements must also match the phrase's meaning and government.
- 6
Paraphrase and meaning nuances
Some combinations approximate a simple verb, but removing the noun can change focus, degree or register. In Erwägung ziehen considers a possibility rather than accepting it. Identify final decision, initiation, availability or consideration before choosing a paraphrase.
Useful examples
Wir treffen morgen eine wichtige Entscheidung.
We will make an important decision tomorrow.
Die Mitarbeiter stellen einen Antrag auf Urlaub.
The employees submit a request for vacation.
Wir ziehen mehrere Möglichkeiten in Betracht.
We are considering several possibilities.
Das Unternehmen führt eine Marktanalyse durch.
The company carries out a market analysis.
Die beiden Firmen haben eine Vereinbarung getroffen.
The two companies have reached an agreement.
Der Kurs bietet den Teilnehmern die Möglichkeit zur Verbesserung ihrer Sprachkenntnisse.
The course gives participants the opportunity to improve their language skills.
Die Regierung ergreift neue Maßnahmen gegen das Problem.
The government is taking new measures against the problem.
Wir nehmen an der Diskussion teil.
We are participating in the discussion.
Die Firma stellt moderne Technik zur Verfügung.
The company provides modern technology.
Der Chef bringt neue Ideen zur Sprache.
The manager brings up new ideas.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Wir wollen morgen eine Entscheidung machen. ✅ Wir wollen morgen eine Entscheidung treffen.
- ❌ Anna hat einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten. ✅ Anna hat einen wichtigen Beitrag geleistet.
- ❌ Das Auto steht mir zum Verfügung. ✅ Das Auto steht mir zur Verfügung.
- ❌ Die Unterlagen stellen zur Verfügung. ✅ Die Unterlagen stehen zur Verfügung.
- ❌ Wir haben noch nicht Entscheidung getroffen. ✅ Wir haben noch keine Entscheidung getroffen.
- ❌ Anna trifft heute eine Entscheidung über das Angebot. → Considering a possibility without a final decision ✅ Anna trifft heute eine Entscheidung über das Angebot. → Making a decision
Learning tips
- Negation follows the construction: keine Entscheidung treffen, nicht zur Verfügung stehen. Choose kein or nicht from the noun phrase and article pattern, not merely the presence of a noun. Additional complements must also match the phrase's meaning and government.
- Some combinations approximate a simple verb, but removing the noun can change focus, degree or register. In Erwägung ziehen considers a possibility rather than accepting it. Identify final decision, initiation, availability or consideration before choosing a paraphrase.
Use it in your own text
Write six new sentences about your life, experiences or views. Use the rules and table and check why each form fits. The models are illustrations; you need not force every form into one text. This is self-assessment; the test score is recorded separately.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Learning the whole combination”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “A direct-object combination”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “A fixed preposition”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “State or onset of a process”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Negation and completion”.
- Compare the form and meaning of two of your examples and explain the difference.
Show the model
Wir treffen morgen eine wichtige Entscheidung. Die Mitarbeiter stellen einen Antrag auf Urlaub. Wir ziehen mehrere Möglichkeiten in Betracht. Das Unternehmen führt eine Marktanalyse durch. Die beiden Firmen haben eine Vereinbarung getroffen. Der Kurs bietet den Teilnehmern die Möglichkeit zur Verbesserung ihrer Sprachkenntnisse.
Check your own work
- My intended meaning fits the chosen construction.
- I checked subject, verb form, case/preposition and word order.
- I adapted the models to my own context and considered the exceptions.
Put it into practice
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Related grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
What matters for “Learning the whole combination”?
In a Funktionsverbgefüge, the noun carries much of the meaning and the verb is general: eine Entscheidung treffen. Learn verb, article and preposition together; a semantically similar verb is not freely substitutable. Entscheiden machen is not the standard pattern.
What matters for “A direct-object combination”?
Eine Entscheidung treffen, einen Beitrag leisten and eine Frage stellen use the appropriate accusative noun phrase. The verb inflects: Sie hat einen Beitrag geleistet. Learn article and number with each phrase rather than removing them mechanically.
What matters for “A fixed preposition”?
Treat zur Verfügung stehen and in Betracht ziehen as lexical combinations. Zur contracts zu der; in is not simply motion toward a place here. The whole expression governs its preposition and case, not a generic wo/wohin rule.
What matters for “State or onset of a process”?
In Verbindung stehen describes a relation; in Verbindung treten can mark initiating contact. Zur Verfügung stellen makes something available, while zur Verfügung stehen describes availability. Changing the verb can change participants or the phase of the process.
What matters for “Negation and completion”?
Negation follows the construction: keine Entscheidung treffen, nicht zur Verfügung stehen. Choose kein or nicht from the noun phrase and article pattern, not merely the presence of a noun. Additional complements must also match the phrase's meaning and government.
What matters for “Paraphrase and meaning nuances”?
Some combinations approximate a simple verb, but removing the noun can change focus, degree or register. In Erwägung ziehen considers a possibility rather than accepting it. Identify final decision, initiation, availability or consideration before choosing a paraphrase.
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