CONTENT
  1. Present Participle as an Adjective or an Adverb
  2. Past Participle as an Adjective or an Adverb

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.