By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Turning a noun expression into a verb
- Actors and objects in nominalization
- Cause and time through prepositions
- Clear verbs and fixed combinations
- Time, modality and negation in reformulation
- Appropriate style, not universal superiority
Simple explanation
Nominalstil uses more nouns and is common in formal German texts, while Verbalstil focuses on verbs and sounds more direct. This lesson explains how to recognize noun-based structures and transform them into clearer verb-based sentences for better B2-level communication.
Turning a noun expression into a verb
In die Durchführung der Kontrolle, Durchführung relates to durchführen. Find the verb and actor: Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch. Removing -ung mechanically does not create every underlying verb; learn the lexical pair and construction.
Actors and objects in nominalization
In die Prüfung des Antrags, Antrag can be the object of prüfen. Other genitives may denote actors; context and durch/von can disambiguate. Preserve the actor–undergoer distinction rather than swapping roles during conversion.
Cause and time through prepositions
Weil es regnet can become wegen des Regens; nachdem die Sitzung endete can become nach dem Ende der Sitzung. The preposition governs case, and the causal or temporal relation must remain. Prepositions and conjunctions are not universally equivalent.
Clear verbs and fixed combinations
Eine Entscheidung treffen can often be paraphrased with entscheiden, but not every noun–verb combination equals a simple verb. Inception, continuation, completion or register may differ. Prefer the simpler verb when it preserves meaning and information focus.
Time, modality and negation in reformulation
Die geplante Einführung is planned, not necessarily completed. Beim Fehlen einer Genehmigung concerns missing authorization, not its presence. Verbalizing should make time, possibility, obligation and negation explicit without inventing a new factual commitment.
Appropriate style, not universal superiority
Nominal style can condense technical information or name a process; verbal style often clarifies actors and time. Neither is universally better. Consider your audience, stacked genitives and processing load, then select or combine styles deliberately.
Usage reference table
| Pattern or function | Target-language model |
|---|---|
| Turning a noun expression into a verb | Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch. |
| Actors and objects in nominalization | Die Prüfung des Antrags dauert zwei Tage. |
| Cause and time through prepositions | Nach dem Ende der Sitzung gingen wir nach Hause. |
| Clear verbs and fixed combinations | Wir müssen eine Entscheidung treffen. |
| Time, modality and negation in reformulation | Die geplante Einführung wurde verschoben. |
| Meaning in context | Die Befragung des Zeugen durch die Polizistin wurde geplant. |
Grammar formula
Turning a noun expression into a verb
durchführen ↔ die DurchführungDie Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch.
Actors and objects in nominalization
die Prüfung des Antrags durch die Sachbearbeiterin ↔ Die Sachbearbeiterin prüft den AntragDie Sachbearbeiterin prüft den Antrag.
Cause and time through prepositions
weil + Nebensatz ↔ wegen + GenitivgruppeWeil es regnet, bleiben wir. / Wegen des Regens bleiben wir.
Clear verbs and fixed combinations
eine Entscheidung treffen ↔ entscheiden (im passenden Kontext)Das Team entscheidet morgen.
Time, modality and negation in reformulation
geplant / möglich / notwendig → entsprechende Zeit- und Modalbedeutung erhaltenDie geplante Einführung wurde verschoben.
Core rules
- 1
Turning a noun expression into a verb
In die Durchführung der Kontrolle, Durchführung relates to durchführen. Find the verb and actor: Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch. Removing -ung mechanically does not create every underlying verb; learn the lexical pair and construction.
- 2
Actors and objects in nominalization
In die Prüfung des Antrags, Antrag can be the object of prüfen. Other genitives may denote actors; context and durch/von can disambiguate. Preserve the actor–undergoer distinction rather than swapping roles during conversion.
- 3
Cause and time through prepositions
Weil es regnet can become wegen des Regens; nachdem die Sitzung endete can become nach dem Ende der Sitzung. The preposition governs case, and the causal or temporal relation must remain. Prepositions and conjunctions are not universally equivalent.
- 4
Clear verbs and fixed combinations
Eine Entscheidung treffen can often be paraphrased with entscheiden, but not every noun–verb combination equals a simple verb. Inception, continuation, completion or register may differ. Prefer the simpler verb when it preserves meaning and information focus.
- 5
Time, modality and negation in reformulation
Die geplante Einführung is planned, not necessarily completed. Beim Fehlen einer Genehmigung concerns missing authorization, not its presence. Verbalizing should make time, possibility, obligation and negation explicit without inventing a new factual commitment.
- 6
Appropriate style, not universal superiority
Nominal style can condense technical information or name a process; verbal style often clarifies actors and time. Neither is universally better. Consider your audience, stacked genitives and processing load, then select or combine styles deliberately.
Useful examples
Die Durchführung des Projekts dauerte drei Monate.
The implementation of the project took three months.
Wir führten das Projekt in drei Monaten durch.
We completed the project within three months.
Die Entscheidung über den Vertrag wurde gestern getroffen.
The decision about the contract was made yesterday.
Wir entschieden gestern über den Vertrag.
We decided about the contract yesterday.
Nach der Verbesserung der Qualität stiegen die Verkäufe.
After the improvement of quality, sales increased.
Nachdem wir die Qualität verbessert hatten, stiegen die Verkäufe.
After we improved the quality, sales increased.
Die Erhöhung der Preise führte zu Problemen.
The increase in prices caused problems.
Die Firma erhöhte die Preise, deshalb entstanden Probleme.
The company increased prices; therefore, problems occurred.
Die Analyse der Daten ermöglicht eine bessere Planung.
The analysis of the data allows better planning.
Wir analysieren die Daten, damit wir besser planen können.
We analyze the data so that we can plan better.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle für. ✅ Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch.
- ❌ Die Prüfung dem Antrags dauert zwei Tage. ✅ Die Prüfung des Antrags dauert zwei Tage.
- ❌ Nach den Ende der Sitzung gingen wir nach Hause. ✅ Nach dem Ende der Sitzung gingen wir nach Hause.
- ❌ Wir müssen eine Entscheidung machen. ✅ Wir müssen eine Entscheidung treffen.
- ❌ Die geplant Einführung wurde verschoben. ✅ Die geplante Einführung wurde verschoben.
- ❌ Die Befragung des Zeugen durch die Polizistin wurde geplant. → The witness is the agent and the policewoman the person questioned ✅ Die Befragung des Zeugen durch die Polizistin wurde geplant. → The policewoman is the agent and the witness the person questioned
Learning tips
- Die geplante Einführung is planned, not necessarily completed. Beim Fehlen einer Genehmigung concerns missing authorization, not its presence. Verbalizing should make time, possibility, obligation and negation explicit without inventing a new factual commitment.
- Nominal style can condense technical information or name a process; verbal style often clarifies actors and time. Neither is universally better. Consider your audience, stacked genitives and processing load, then select or combine styles deliberately.
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 “Turning a noun expression into a verb”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Actors and objects in nominalization”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Cause and time through prepositions”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Clear verbs and fixed combinations”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Time, modality and negation in reformulation”.
- Compare the form and meaning of two of your examples and explain the difference.
Show the model
Die Durchführung des Projekts dauerte drei Monate. Wir führten das Projekt in drei Monaten durch. Die Entscheidung über den Vertrag wurde gestern getroffen. Wir entschieden gestern über den Vertrag. Nach der Verbesserung der Qualität stiegen die Verkäufe. Nachdem wir die Qualität verbessert hatten, stiegen die Verkäufe.
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 “Turning a noun expression into a verb”?
In die Durchführung der Kontrolle, Durchführung relates to durchführen. Find the verb and actor: Die Mitarbeiter führen die Kontrolle durch. Removing -ung mechanically does not create every underlying verb; learn the lexical pair and construction.
What matters for “Actors and objects in nominalization”?
In die Prüfung des Antrags, Antrag can be the object of prüfen. Other genitives may denote actors; context and durch/von can disambiguate. Preserve the actor–undergoer distinction rather than swapping roles during conversion.
What matters for “Cause and time through prepositions”?
Weil es regnet can become wegen des Regens; nachdem die Sitzung endete can become nach dem Ende der Sitzung. The preposition governs case, and the causal or temporal relation must remain. Prepositions and conjunctions are not universally equivalent.
What matters for “Clear verbs and fixed combinations”?
Eine Entscheidung treffen can often be paraphrased with entscheiden, but not every noun–verb combination equals a simple verb. Inception, continuation, completion or register may differ. Prefer the simpler verb when it preserves meaning and information focus.
What matters for “Time, modality and negation in reformulation”?
Die geplante Einführung is planned, not necessarily completed. Beim Fehlen einer Genehmigung concerns missing authorization, not its presence. Verbalizing should make time, possibility, obligation and negation explicit without inventing a new factual commitment.
What matters for “Appropriate style, not universal superiority”?
Nominal style can condense technical information or name a process; verbal style often clarifies actors and time. Neither is universally better. Consider your audience, stacked genitives and processing load, then select or combine styles deliberately.
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