Process (werden)

Action happens: Die Tür wird geöffnet.

State (sein)

Result remains: Die Tür ist geöffnet.

Time focus

Process answers “what happens”; state answers “what it looks like now”.

Practice

Pair three verbs (öffnen, schließen, reparieren) in both passive types.

Practical Examples

1. Die Tür wird gerade geöffnet.

The door is currently being opened. Usage note: This describes the ongoing action of opening the door (process passive).

1. Die Tür ist geöffnet.

The door is open. Usage note: This describes the state of the door after it has been opened (state passive).

1. Wird das Auto heute repariert?

Is the car being repaired today? Usage note: This asks about the ongoing or planned action of repairing the car (process passive, question).

1. Ist das Auto schon repariert?

Is the car already repaired? Usage note: This asks about the current state of the car, if the repair is finished (state passive, question).

1. Der Brief wurde gestern geschrieben.

The letter was written yesterday. Usage note: This describes the action of writing the letter in the past (process passive, Präteritum).

1. Der Brief ist geschrieben und kann abgeschickt werden.

The letter is written and can be sent. Usage note: This describes the completed state of the letter (state passive).

1. Das Problem wird nicht gelöst.

The problem is not being solved. Usage note: This describes the lack of an ongoing action to solve the problem (process passive, negation).

1. Das Problem ist noch nicht gelöst.

The problem is not yet solved. Usage note: This describes the current unsolved state of the problem (state passive, negation).

1. Die neue Brücke wird nächstes Jahr gebaut werden.

The new bridge will be built next year. Usage note: This describes a future action of building the bridge (process passive, Futur I).

1. Alle Aufgaben sind erledigt.

All tasks are completed. Usage note: This describes the completed state of the tasks (state passive).

1. Der Kuchen wird gerade gebacken.

The cake is currently being baked. Usage note: This emphasizes the ongoing action of baking (process passive).

1. Der Kuchen ist gebacken und kann gegessen werden.

The cake is baked and can be eaten. Usage note: This emphasizes the finished state of the cake (state passive).

1. Wird das Fenster jetzt geschlossen?

Is the window being closed now? Usage note: This asks about the immediate action of closing the window (process passive, question).

1. Das Fenster ist geschlossen, es ist kalt draußen.

The window is closed, it's cold outside. Usage note: This describes the current state of the window (state passive).

1. Die Rechnung wird gerade geprüft.

The invoice is currently being checked. Usage note: This highlights the ongoing process of checking the invoice (process passive).