von
Agent in Passive (Von)
In German passive sentences, the focus is on the action. If you want to mention who or what performed that action, you use the preposition von followed by a noun in the dative case.
How It Works
While the passive voice is often used to hide the person performing an action, sometimes that information is necessary.
1. The Role of 'von'
Von identifies the direct originator or actor. While many believe von is only for people, it can also be used for natural forces or organizations if they are the direct cause of the action (e.g., von der Sonne geweckt).
2. Grammar and Case
The preposition von always requires the dative case. Because of this, you will often see the contraction vom (von + dem) for masculine and neuter nouns.
3. Word Order
In a standard German sentence, the von-phrase usually sits in the 'middle field' (Mittelfeld). This means it comes after the conjugated verb (usually werden) and before the past participle at the very end of the sentence.
4. von vs. durch
Use von for the active doer. Use durch for the means, instrument, or intermediary (e.g., 'through a phone call' or 'via an agent').
Examples (4)
- Das Buch wurde von dem Lehrer geschrieben.
The book was written by the teacher.
Word by Word: The book was by the teacher written.
Here, 'von dem Lehrer' identifies the person who performed the action of writing.
- Die Stadt wurde vom Sturm zerstört.
The city was destroyed by the storm.
Word by Word: The city was by-the storm destroyed.
'Vom' is the contraction of 'von dem'. Even though the storm is not a person, it is the direct cause/agent.
- Ich wurde von meinen Eltern abgeholt.
I was picked up by my parents.
Word by Word: I was by my parents picked-up.
The plural dative 'meinen Eltern' follows 'von' to show who did the picking up.
- Der Kuchen wird von Oma gebacken.
The cake is being baked by Grandma.
Word by Word: The cake is by Grandma baked.
This shows the agent in the present tense passive.
Common Mistakes
Using the accusative case after 'von'.
Das Bild wurde von den Künstler gemalt.Das Bild wurde von dem Künstler gemalt.'Von' is a dative preposition. 'Den' is accusative; 'dem' is the correct dative form for a masculine noun.
Placing the 'von'-phrase after the past participle.
Das Haus wurde gebaut von meinem Vater.Das Haus wurde von meinem Vater gebaut.In German, the past participle must stay at the very end of the clause. The agent must come before it.
Using 'durch' for a human agent.
Ich wurde durch den Arzt untersucht.Ich wurde von dem Arzt untersucht.While 'durch' is sometimes used for means, 'von' is the standard choice for the direct person performing the action.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To express 'by whom' an action is performed in the passive voice, you need to understand the basic passive construction (vorgangspassiv) and how the preposition 'von' functions with the dative case.
- Process Passive (werden)
The 'von' agent is used within the framework of the process passive (werden + past participle), so the basic passive structure must be understood first.
Level 3 - aus/bei/mit/nach/seit/von/zuDative Prepositions
The preposition 'von' is a dative preposition; understanding its basic meaning and case requirement is essential.
Level 1 - Dative Case Articles
Since 'von' always triggers the dative case, the learner must know how to decline articles in the dative to correctly identify the agent.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- durchCause in Passive (Durch)
The alternative to 'von', used specifically for the means or intermediary of an action.
Level 3 - Contracted Preposition-Article Forms
Explains why 'von dem' often becomes 'vom'.
Level 2 - State Passive (sein)
The state passive (using 'sein'), which occasionally uses 'von' to describe the origin of a state.
Level 3 - man (Passiversatz)Man Instead of Passive
An alternative way to express actions without using the passive voice.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice von in Bubblegum
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