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B2Verbs

Light verb constructions

Light verb constructions (FVG) consist of a light verb (e.

Take a look

Er stellt eine Frage. (= Er fragt.)

He asks a question. (= He is asking.)

Take a look

  • Er stellt eine Frage. (= Er fragt.)He asks a question. (= He is asking.)
  • Sie nimmt Einfluss auf die Politik.She exerts influence on politics.
  • Das Gesetz tritt in Kraft.The law comes into force.
  • Wir müssen eine Entscheidung treffen.We have to make a decision.

The rule

Light verb constructions (FVG) consist of a light verb (e.g. nehmen, stellen, bringen, kommen) and a noun that carries the actual meaning. They are typical of formal and elevated language. A simple verb with the same meaning often exists: in Betrieb nehmen = starten. FVG = light verb + noun (often with a preposition): zur Verfügung stellen, in Frage kommen. The noun carries the main meaning, the verb is 'functional' (semantically reduced). Common light verbs: stellen, nehmen, treffen, bringen, kommen, setzen, geraten. FVG are more formal than simple verbs: 'Kritik üben' (formal) vs. 'kritisieren' (neutral). Some FVG express beginning, duration, or end: in Gang kommen (beginning), in Betrieb sein (duration).

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The forms

Noun-verb phrases (Funktionsverbgefüge)

Funktionsverbgefügeeinfaches Verb
eine Entscheidung treffenentscheiden
zur Verfügung stellenbereitstellen
in Frage stellenbezweifeln
Kritik übenkritisieren
einen Antrag stellenbeantragen
zum Abschluss bringenabschließen

Quick check

B2
  1. Which simple verb corresponds to the FVG?'eine Entscheidung treffen' = ?
  2. Complete the light verb.Der Lehrer ___ den Schülern eine Frage.
  3. Choose the correct FVG.Das neue Gesetz ___ morgen ___.
  4. Complete the FVG.Wir müssen dieses Problem in ___ nehmen. (= to tackle, to address)
  5. Replace the FVG with a simple verb.Er übt Kritik an dem Plan.
  6. Which FVG fits?Können Sie mir das Buch zur ___ stellen?

The answers appear after “Check”.

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Verbs

A1Sein and habenWhy is it “ich bin” but “er ist”?A1Separable verbsWhy is “auf” at the end?A2Können, müssen and wollenWhy does “sein” appear after “muss”?A2Reflexive verbsWhy is mich in “Ich freue mich auf das Wochenende”?B1Passive voiceThe passive voice is used when the action is more important than who performs it.B1Subjunctive IISubjunctive II expresses unreal situations, wishes, polite requests, and hypothetical conditions.
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