In our previous guides, we learned how to form the basic Passive Voice. But what happens when you want to add a layer of meaning—like necessity, possibility, or permission?
This is where Modal Verbs come in. In English, we say “It must be done.” In German, we use the same logic, but with a specific “verb bracket” that puts the action at the very end. Let’s break down the formula and see how to use it.
1. The Formula: The “Passive Sandwich”
When you use a modal verb in a passive sentence, you are dealing with three components:
- The Modal Verb: (conjugated in Position 2).
- The Partizip II: (the action, at the end).
- The word “werden”: (in its basic infinitive form, at the absolute end).
- Structure: Subject + Modal Verb + … + Partizip II + werden.
2. Step-by-Step Examples
Let’s transform a simple active sentence into a passive sentence with a modal verb.
Active: “Der Mechaniker muss das Auto reparieren.” (The mechanic must repair the car.)
Step 1: Move the object (das Auto) to the subject position.
Step 2: Use the modal verb müssen (must).
Step 3: Put the action (repariert) and werden at the end.
Passive: “Das Auto muss repariert werden.” (The car must be repaired.)
3. Common Modal Verbs in Passive
| Modal Verb | Meaning | Passive Example | English Translation |
| können | can | Das Problem kann gelöst werden. | The problem can be solved. |
| müssen | must | Die Hausaufgaben müssen gemacht werden. | The homework must be done. |
| sollen | should | Die Kinder sollten abgeholt werden. | The children should be picked up. |
| dürfen | may/allow | Hier darf nicht geraucht werden. | Smoking is not allowed here. |
4. Word Order in Different Sentences
A. Questions
In a question, the Modal Verb moves to Position 1, but the “Partizip II + werden” duo stays at the very end.
- “Muss das Auto heute repariert werden?” (Does the car have to be repaired today?)
B. Subordinate Clauses (Weil, Dass)
In a “Verb-Kicker” sentence, the Modal Verb moves to the very end, pushing werden into the second-to-last spot.
- “Ich bin froh, weil das Auto repariert werden muss.”
💡 Summary Cheat Sheet
- Rule 1: The modal verb is the only part that gets conjugated (matches the subject).
- Rule 2: Partizip II + werden always stay together at the end.
- Rule 3: If you want to say who is doing it, use von + Dativ.
- Example: “Das Haus muss von uns gestrichen werden.”
Final Thoughts
Combining modal verbs with the passive voice is the key to describing processes, rules, and possibilities in professional German. Once you memorize the “sandwich” structure (Modal … Partizip II + werden), you’ll be able to build complex sentences with ease.
Next Step: Now that you’ve mastered the Passive with modals, learn how to use the Passive in different timeframes! Check out our guide on German Passive in Different Tenses (Present, Past, Perfect) to perfect your timeline.