causative phrases in German
Learning causative phrases in German can greatly expand your language skills and allow you to express the idea of causing someone to do something or making something happen. Here’s an introduction to causative phrases in German:
- Causative verbs: In German, causative phrases are often formed using causative verbs such as “lassen” (to let/make), “veranlassen” (to prompt/cause), or “bewegen” (to move/persuade). These verbs are used to indicate that the subject causes or influences someone or something to perform an action.
- Sentence structure: Causative phrases typically follow a specific sentence structure in German. The causative verb is conjugated according to the subject, followed by the object (the person or thing being influenced) and the infinitive form of the action verb.
- Verb placement: The infinitive verb in the causative phrase usually appears at the end of the sentence.
Here are some examples to illustrate causative phrases in German:
- Ich lasse den Mechaniker mein Auto reparieren. (I’m having the mechanic repair my car.)
- Sie veranlassen mich, früher anzukommen. (They are causing/making me arrive earlier.)
- Er bewegt seine Eltern, ihm das Fahrrad zu kaufen. (He persuades/moves his parents to buy him the bicycle.)
- Wir lassen den Handwerker die Wand streichen. (We are having the handyman paint the wall.)
- Sie veranlasst ihn, Deutsch zu lernen. (She prompts/causes him to learn German.)
Remember to practice constructing and using causative phrases in various contexts to become familiar with the grammar rules and develop fluency. Additionally, using resources such as textbooks, language learning apps, and interactive exercises can greatly support your learning process.
| Causative Phrase in German | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ich lasse den Arzt kommen. | I’m having the doctor come. |
| Sie veranlassen ihn zu lernen. | They are causing/making him study. |
| Er bewegt seine Schwester, das Buch zu lesen. | He persuades/moves his sister to read the book. |
| Wir lassen den Kellner den Wein bringen. | We have the waiter bring the wine. |
| Sie veranlasst ihn, das Fenster zu schließen. | She prompts/causes him to close the window. |
| Ich lasse meinen Bruder das Auto waschen. | I’m having my brother wash the car. |
| Sie veranlassen ihre Mitarbeiter, Überstunden zu machen. | They cause/make their employees work overtime. |
| Er bewegt den Hund, das Spielzeug zu holen. | He persuades/moves the dog to fetch the toy. |
| Wir lassen den Architekten das Haus entwerfen. | We have the architect design the house. |
| Sie veranlasst ihn, die Präsentation vorzubereiten. | She prompts/causes him to prepare the presentation. |
| Ich lasse den Friseur meine Haare schneiden. | I’m having the hairdresser cut my hair. |
| Sie veranlassen ihn, das Konzert zu besuchen. | They persuade/move him to attend the concert. |
| Er bewegt seine Kinder, ihr Zimmer aufzuräumen. | He persuades/moves his children to tidy up their room. |
| Wir lassen den Techniker das Problem beheben. | We have the technician fix the problem. |
| Sie veranlassen ihn, einen Bericht zu schreiben. | They cause/make him write a report. |
| Ich lasse den Gärtner den Rasen mähen. | I’m having the gardener mow the lawn. |
| Sie veranlasst ihn, Deutsch zu lernen. | She prompts/causes him to learn German. |
| Er bewegt seine Eltern, ihm das Fahrrad zu kaufen. | He persuades/moves his parents to buy him the bicycle. |
| Wir lassen den Handwerker das Dach reparieren. | We have the handyman repair the roof. |
| Sie veranlassen ihn, seinen Chef um eine Gehaltserhöhung zu bitten. | They cause/make him ask his boss for a salary increase. |
