Extended Function Verb Constructions
Funktionsverbgefüge (FVG) are fixed combinations of a verb and a noun (often with a preposition) that act as a single unit. The verb loses most of its literal meaning and mainly carries grammar, while the noun carries the main meaning (e.g., 'eine Entscheidung treffen' instead of 'entscheiden').
How It Works
Prepositional Function Verb Gefüge (präpositionale Funktionsverbgefüge) are characteristic of 'Amtssprache' (officialese) and 'Bildungssprache' (academic language). They consist of a Funktionsverb (a semantically 'bleached' verb) and a Nomen-Präposition-Verbindung (noun-preposition combination).
1. Aspectual Nuances (Aktionsart):
Unlike simple verbs, these constructions distinguish the phase of an action:
- Inchoative (Start): in Gang kommen (to start moving).
- Durative (State): in Gang sein (to be in motion).
- Causative (Action): in Gang setzen (to set in motion).
2. Passive Substitutes and Subject Shift:
Many FVG function as alternatives to the passive voice. The 'Subject Shift' occurs relative to the active voice: the patient (the object receiving the action in an active sentence) becomes the subject of the FVG. For example, in Anerkennung finden (to find recognition), the person being recognized is the subject (e.g., Der Forscher findet Anerkennung), mirroring the structure of a passive sentence (Der Forscher wird anerkannt) rather than an active one (Man erkennt den Forscher an).
3. The Modifier Advantage:
A primary reason for using FVG in formal writing is the ability to use adjectives to modify the noun. This is often more precise or elegant than using adverbs with a simple verb. For example, eine kühne Entscheidung treffen (to make a bold decision) is often preferred over kühn entscheiden in academic contexts.
4. Syntactic Rules:
- The noun is usually fixed; you cannot pluralize it or change the article freely.
- In a sentence, the verb follows the sentence bracket rule.
- Negation: In prepositional FVG, nicht is placed directly before the prepositional phrase (e.g., Er setzte das Projekt nicht in Gang). For FVG without prepositions, kein is typically used.
Examples (4)
- Die neuen Sicherheitsvorschriften kommen ab nächster Woche zur Anwendung.
The new safety regulations will be applied starting next week.
Word by Word: The new safety-regulations come from next week to-the application.
'Zur Anwendung kommen' is the formal, inchoative (starting) version of 'angewendet werden'.
- Wir müssen die besonderen Umstände des Falls in Betracht ziehen.
We must take the special circumstances of the case into consideration.
Word by Word: We must the special circumstances of-the case in consideration pull.
'In Betracht ziehen' is a common FVG meaning 'to consider' (berücksichtigen).
- Der Vorschlag fand bei den Anwesenden große Zustimmung.
The proposal met with great approval among those present.
Word by Word: The proposal found by the present-ones great approval.
Using the noun 'Zustimmung' allows the speaker to add an adjective ('große'), which is harder to do with the simple verb 'zustimmen'.
- Das Thema steht heute nicht zur Diskussion.
The topic is not up for discussion today.
Word by Word: The topic stands today not to-the discussion.
'Zur Diskussion stehen' describes a state (durative). Note the use of 'nicht' to negate the entire predicate.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong preposition or verb in the fixed phrase.
Das Gesetz kommt in Anwendung.Das Gesetz kommt zur Anwendung.Prepositional Function Verb Gefüge are lexicalized chunks. You must learn the specific preposition (zu, in, unter, etc.) that belongs to each noun-verb pair.
Using FVG in casual conversation.
Ich werde heute eine Dusche in Anspruch nehmen.Ich dusche heute.These constructions belong to Nominalstil, specifically 'Amtssprache' (officialese) and 'Bildungssprache' (academic language). In casual speech, they sound overly stiff.
Misplacing 'nicht' or using 'kein' incorrectly.
Er hat das in keinen Betracht gezogen.Er hat das nicht in Betracht gezogen.For prepositional FVG, nicht must be placed directly before the prepositional phrase. However, for FVG without prepositions (e.g., 'Kritik üben'), kein is the standard way to negate the noun.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Extended Function Verb Constructions (Funktionsverbgefüge) are sophisticated combinations of a noun and a verb that function as a single semantic unit, common in formal, academic, and bureaucratic German. To learn these, you must first understand the basic mechanism of function verbs, be familiar with the nominal style of writing, and have a solid grasp of the German case system, as these constructions often involve specific prepositional or accusative objects.
- Function Verb Constructions
The basic concept of function verb constructions (noun-verb combinations where the verb loses its primary meaning) is essential before tackling more complex or academic variations.
Level 4 - Nominal Style
Extended function verb constructions are a hallmark of the German 'Nominalstil' (nominal style), which involves turning actions into nouns to sound more formal or academic.
Level 4
Related Patterns
- Process Passive (werden)
Many FVG serve as stylistic alternatives to the standard passive voice.
Level 3 - Sentence Bracket (Satzklammer)
The noun/prepositional part of an FVG always moves to the end of the sentence bracket.
Level 4 - Fixed Verb-Preposition Combinations
Like FVG, these require learning fixed combinations, though the verb retains more of its original meaning.
Level 3 - Placement Of Nicht
Understanding where to place 'nicht' is crucial for negating these complex predicates correctly.
Level 2
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