CONTENT
  1. Nouns Forming Verbs and Vice Versa: Backen vs. das Backen

In German, nominalization is the process of turning a verb, adjective, or other word into a noun. This is typically done by adding a suffix to the base word, such as -ung, -heit, -keit, -nis, -schaft, or -ung to the end of the word.

For example, The verb backen in German means "to bake," and it can be nominalized by adding various suffixes to create nouns with different meanings.

German

English

Die Backung des Brotes dauert etwa eine Stunde

The baking of the bread takes about an hour.

Nouns Forming Verbs and Vice Versa: Backen vs. das Backen

When we speak, we mostly use verbal phrases. In contrast, in the news and publications, we use nouns to add some formality. When a verb is converted to a noun, this is called nominalization.

This can help to form single main clauses instead of a main clause and subordinate clauses.

Verbstil:

German

English

Einen Kuchen zu backen, macht viel Spaß.

Baking a cake is a lot of fun.

Nominalstil:

German

English

Das Backen eines Kuchens macht viel Spaß.

The baking of a cake is a lot of fun.

Note: the genitive is often used to nominalize.

Quiz

1/3

Choose the correct noun corresponding to the verb: senden - ___

0

correct answers.