Function Verb Constructions

Level 4

Funktionsverbgefüge (FVG) are fixed expressions where a verb (like 'treffen' or 'bringen') loses its literal meaning and works with a noun (like 'Entscheidung' or 'Ausdruck') to express a specific action or state. They are common in formal writing.

How It Works

Funktionsverbgefüge (Function Verb Constructions) are a hallmark of Nominalstil (nominal style). They consist of a 'bleached' verb and an abstract noun.

1. Structure:
The noun is usually either an accusative object or part of a prepositional phrase. The article is often fixed or omitted entirely.

  • Akkusativ: eine Entscheidung treffen (to make a decision)
  • Prepositional: in Gang kommen (to get started)

2. Nuance and Aspect (Aktionsart):
FVGs are not just long synonyms; they often specify the phase of an action:

  • Inchoative (Start): in Gang kommen (to start moving)
  • Durative (State): in Gang sein (to be in progress)
  • Causative (Action): in Gang setzen (to set in motion)

3. Register:
These constructions are very frequent in administrative German, scientific texts, and journalism. While they can make a text sound 'bureaucratic,' they allow for precise descriptions of how an action occurs.

Examples (5)

  1. Das neue Gesetz tritt am ersten Januar in Kraft.

    The new law comes into effect on January 1st.

    Word by Word: The new law steps on the first January into force.

    'In Kraft treten' is an FVG meaning 'to become valid' or 'to come into effect.'

  2. Wir müssen dieses Problem unbedingt zur Sprache bringen.

    We absolutely must bring this problem up for discussion.

    Word by Word: We must this problem absolutely to the language bring.

    'Zur Sprache bringen' means to introduce a topic for discussion.

  3. Die Ergebnisse der Studie fanden in der Fachwelt große Beachtung.

    The results of the study received great attention in the professional world.

    Word by Word: The results of the study found in the professional world great attention.

    'Beachtung finden' acts as a passive-like construction meaning 'to be noticed/attended to.'

  4. Der Motor kommt langsam in Gang.

    The engine is slowly getting started.

    Word by Word: The motor comes slowly into gear.

    'In Gang kommen' describes the starting phase of a process.

  5. Er hat endlich eine Entscheidung getroffen.

    He has finally made a decision.

    Word by Word: He has finally a decision hit.

    'Eine Entscheidung treffen' is the standard formal way to say 'to decide.'

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'kein' to negate the noun in a prepositional FVG.

    Er setzte die Maschine in keinen Betrieb.
    Er setzte die Maschine nicht in Betrieb.

    A fixed phrase with a preposition, like 'in Betrieb setzen', is negated with nicht, not with 'kein'. (An FVG with a plain object, like 'eine Entscheidung treffen', can use 'kein': 'keine Entscheidung treffen'.)

  • Translating English light verbs literally (e.g., 'take' a decision).

    Ich muss eine Entscheidung nehmen.
    Ich muss eine Entscheidung treffen.

    German uses specific verbs for specific nouns. You 'hit' (treffen) a decision, you don't 'take' (nehmen) it.

How It Connects

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Function Verb ConstructionsLevel 4

Learn This First

To learn Function Verb Constructions (Funktionsverbgefüge), you need to understand how verbs interact with fixed prepositional phrases and how these components are positioned at opposite ends of the German sentence bracket. Knowledge of contracted prepositions is also necessary as they appear in many of these formal idioms.

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