Sometimes we can use a present or past participle as an adjective or an adverb to show two actions in one sentence. This allows us to simplify the sentence or avoid dividing it into two.
German
English
Ein kaputtes Auto hat den Stau verursacht.
A broken car caused the traffic jam.
Present Participle as an Adjective or an Adverb
Rule 1: We use Partizip I (present participle) as a word that acts like an adjective or an adverb when we want to describe two things that are happening at the same time. This way we avoid a second sentence.
We form it by adding a -d at the end of the infinitive form.
German
English
Sie verlässt lächelnd das Haus.
She leaves the house smiling.
Rule 2: When the present participle is placed before a noun, we need to add the correct adjective ending.
German
English
Die lächelnde Frau verlässt das Haus.
The smiling woman leaves the house.
Rule 3: It doesn’t matter if the action in question takes place in the present, the past or the future. The present participle stays the same.
German
English
Die lächelnde Frau verließ das Haus.
The smiling woman left the house.
Past Participle as an Adjective or an Adverb
Rule 4: We use Partizip 2 (past participle) as a word that acts like an adjective or an adverb when we want to express a completed past action or a passive action. This way, we avoid a second sentence.
We generally form it with "ge-" and "-t" ath the end (gemacht, gekauft).
German
English
Der gemachte Kuchen wurde sofort gegessen.
The cake that was baked was eaten instantly.
Rule 5: When the past participle is placed before a noun, we need to add the correct adjective ending.
German
English
Der angekommene Mitarbeiter machte sich sofort an die Arbeit.
The staff member who arrived got to work immediately.