B2 · grammar
Participles as Adjectives
Partizip I and II before nouns and extended attributes.
Partizip I (ongoing, active)
infinitive + d: lachen → lachend. Used as an adjective with endings:
- das lachende Kind (the laughing child)
- Der wartende Mann wird ungeduldig.
Partizip II (completed or passive)
- das gebrochene Fenster (the broken window)
- die gelesene Zeitung
Extended attributes (formal writing)
A participle with extra information stands between article and noun:
| Relative clause | Compact form |
|---|---|
| Der Mann, der gerade das Haus verlässt, ... | Der gerade das Haus verlassende Mann ... |
| Das Auto, das gestern repariert wurde, ... | Das gestern reparierte Auto ... |
This style is common in news, law and academic texts. In speech, use relative clauses.
Test Your Knowledge
1. Partizip I of 'laufen' as adjective: der ___ Mann.
2. Das ___ Auto (reparieren, completed action)
3. Partizip I expresses an action that is...