You already know that the state passive (Zustandspassiv) describes a finished condition or result. It is formed with the verb sein and a past participle (e.g., Die Tür ist geschlossen - The door is closed).
When organizing an event or working through a checklist, you often need to express that a certain state must be achieved. You can do this by combining the state passive with a modal verb like müssen (must).
Main Clause Structure
In a standard main clause, the conjugated modal verb takes the second position. The past participle and the infinitive sein are pushed to the very end of the sentence.
| The checklist must be completely done. | Die Checkliste muss vollständig erledigt sein. |
| Every name tag must be printed. | Jedes Namensschild muss gedruckt sein. |
When verifying multiple tasks at once, conjugate the modal verb in the plural.
| The checklist and the schedule must be clarified today. | Die Checkliste und der Ablauf müssen heute geklärt sein. |
Asking Questions
For yes/no questions, move the conjugated modal verb to the first position. The past participle and sein stay at the end.
| Must the guest list be clarified today? | Muss die Gästeliste heute geklärt sein? |
Using Other Modals
You can use other modal verbs to express different rules. For instance, using dürfen (may / to be allowed to) with a negative word like nicht expresses that a state is strictly forbidden or not yet allowed.
| The date must not be published yet. | Das Datum darf noch nicht veröffentlicht sein. |
Dependent Clauses
Inside a dependent clause (for example, after weil), standard dependent clause word order applies. The conjugated modal verb is kicked to the absolute end of the sentence, landing right after the past participle and sein.
| We cannot start because the hall must be decorated. | Wir können nicht anfangen, weil der Saal geschmückt sein muss. |