durch

Cause in Passive (Durch)

Level 3

In German passive constructions, while von usually identifies the person doing the action, durch is used for the means, impersonal causes (like nature), or intermediaries (like a messenger).

How It Works

In the process passive, the agent (the one performing the action) is usually introduced by von. However, durch is used to specify the cause, means, or intermediary.

1. Impersonal Causes and Natural Forces:
While von indicates a direct, personal initiator, durch is a common choice for impersonal causes, including natural disasters and abstract forces.
Example: Die Stadt wurde durch das Erdbeben zerstört. (The city was destroyed by the earthquake.) Natural forces can also take von, as in Das Haus wurde vom Sturm zerstört.

2. Means vs. Tools:
Use durch for the means or process through which something happens. Note the difference: use durch for a process, but use mit + Dative for a specific physical tool.
Example (Means): Die Nachricht wurde durch das Internet verbreitet. (The news was spread via the internet.)
Example (Tool): Die Tür wurde mit einem Hammer geöffnet. (The door was opened with a hammer.)

3. Intermediaries:
Use durch when a person or thing acts as a 'vehicle' or 'tool' rather than the primary initiator.
Example: Die Information wurde durch einen Sprecher bekannt gegeben. (The information was announced via a spokesperson.)

4. Case and Grammar:
Unlike von (which takes the dative), durch always requires the accusative case. The phrase typically appears in the 'Mittelfeld' (middle) of the sentence.

5. Pro-Tip: Avoiding Repetition:
In formal writing, durch is often used to avoid a 'double von' if the sentence already contains a von-phrase indicating origin or possession.
Example: Der Bericht von der Kommission wurde durch die Presse veröffentlicht. (The report from the commission was published by the press.)

Examples (4)

  1. Die Stadt wurde durch das Erdbeben fast völlig zerstört.

    The city was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake.

    Word by Word: The city was through the earthquake almost completely destroyed.

    Here, 'durch' is used because an earthquake is an impersonal, natural cause.

  2. Das Projekt wird durch Spenden finanziert.

    The project is financed through donations.

    Word by Word: The project becomes through donations financed.

    Donations are the 'means' by which the financing happens.

  3. Er wurde durch einen Brief informiert.

    He was informed via a letter.

    Word by Word: He was through a letter informed.

    The letter is the medium or tool used for the information process.

  4. Die Infektion wird durch Bakterien verursacht.

    The infection is caused by bacteria.

    Word by Word: The infection becomes through bacteria caused.

    Scientific causes are often expressed with 'durch' in the passive.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the dative case after 'durch'.

    Die Ernte wurde durch dem Sturm zerstört.
    Die Ernte wurde durch den Sturm zerstört.

    'Durch' is an accusative preposition. 'Dem Sturm' is dative; 'den Sturm' is the correct accusative form.

  • Using 'durch' for a direct human author or creator.

    Das Buch wurde durch Thomas Mann geschrieben.
    Das Buch wurde von Thomas Mann geschrieben.

    For a specific person who is the intentional 'doer' or creator, 'von' is required. 'Durch' would imply Thomas Mann was just a messenger.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

durchLevel 3Cause in Passive (Durch)

Learn This First

To use 'durch' in a passive sentence, you must first understand how to form the basic German passive using 'werden' and a past participle. Additionally, you need to be familiar with the preposition 'durch' and its requirement for the accusative case, as well as how it differs from the agent marker 'von'.

Words in This Pattern