German Partizip 1 & Partizip 2 as Adjectives
Der laufende Mann, das geöffnete Fenster: do you know how these adjectives are made? In German you can turn verbs into adjectives with the Partizip 1 and the Partizip 2. This lesson shows you how to form both, how to add the adjective endings, what to do with two adjectives and when a relative clause is the better choice.
How to Form Partizip 1
Partizip 1 is the Infinitiv + d: lachen - lachend, laufen - laufend, schlafen - schlafend. It describes an action that is happening at the same time. Das lachende Kind is a child that is laughing.
How to Form Partizip 2
You already know the Partizip 2 from the Perfekt: gekocht, geöffnet, gelesen. Used as an adjective, it describes a finished action: das gekochte Ei is an egg that has been cooked. Das geöffnete Fenster is a window that has been opened.
Adjective Endings
When you use a Partizip before a noun, it gets the same endings as every other adjective: der laufende Mann, ein laufender Mann, mit dem laufenden Mann. The ending depends on the article, the gender and the case.
Two Adjectives Before a Noun
If a Partizip stands together with another adjective and both describe the noun, both get the same ending: das rote fahrende Auto (the red car that is driving).
The Alternative: A Relative Clause
You can often say the same with a relative clause: das Kind, das lacht instead of das lachende Kind. The relative clause is easier and common in spoken German. The Partizip is more typical for written German.
Important: No Continuous Form
German has no continuous tense like English "is working". Do not use Partizip 1 as a verb. Say Meine Frau arbeitet gerade, not "Meine Frau ist arbeitend".
Homework
Turn these verbs into adjectives with a noun: schlafen, kochen, öffnen.
What to Learn Next
Review the endings in Adjektivdeklination: Let's analyze a text! and 2 rules that are often ignored: Adjektivdeklination B1. For the alternative structure, read German EMBEDDED Relative Clauses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I form Partizip 1 in German?
Add -d to the infinitive: lachen becomes lachend, laufen becomes laufend.
What is the difference between Partizip 1 and Partizip 2 as adjectives?
Partizip 1 describes an action that is happening at the same time. Partizip 2 describes a finished action.
Do participles get adjective endings?
Yes. Before a noun they get the same endings as any other adjective, for example der laufende Mann.
Can I use Partizip 1 for continuous actions like in English?
No. German has no continuous form. Say Meine Frau arbeitet gerade, not arbeitend.
What is an easier alternative to the Partizip?
Use a relative clause, for example das Kind, das lacht.
Want to use participles and adjective endings with confidence? Our B1 German online course takes you through them step by step.
