Infinitivpassiv

Infinitivpassiv is the non-finite form of the passive voice in German. It expresses a passive event without a finite auxiliary, using the infinitive of werden together with the past participle of the main verb, for example geschrieben werden meaning “to be written.” The Infinitivpassiv occurs mainly in non-finite clauses or as a complement to a finite verb, especially after modals: Der Bericht muss geschrieben werden (The report must be written).

Forms and usage

- Present non-finite passive: geschrieb en werden (e.g., Der Bericht muss geschrieben werden). Here the finite verb (muss) governs the infinitive passive.

- Perfect non-finite passive: geschrieben worden sein (e.g., Es ist möglich, dass der Bericht geschrieben worden sein wird). This form is used in more complex, often formal contexts to express "to have been written."

- Less common but possible extended sequences include passive-infinitive variants in older or highly formal prose, such as geschreiben worden gewesen sein, depending on sequence of tenses.

Notes

- Infinitivpassiv conveys a passive action without specifying the agent.

- It is typical in formal writing, bureaucracy, or clauses where a finite verb governs an infinitive clause. In everyday speech, the finite passive with werden or the active causative constructions are more common.

- It contrasts with the finite passive (Der Bericht wird geschrieben) and with causative constructions like lassen, where the agent or experiencer is affected through another verb.

In summary, Infinitivpassiv provides a way to express passive meaning in non-finite contexts by pairing werden in the infinitive with a past participle, most frequently following modal verbs or within more formal registered language.