The stative passive (Zustandspassiv)
When preparing for a big event, you usually focus on the final result of a task rather than the ongoing process. To describe a completed state, German uses the stative passive (Zustandspassiv).
Form it by combining a conjugated form of sein (to be) with the past participle of your main verb. In a standard main clause, the conjugated verb takes the second position, and the past participle goes at the very end.
| Fortunately, everything is already done. | Zum Glück ist alles schon erledigt. |
| The hall is beautifully decorated. | Der Saal ist wunderschön geschmückt. |
Asking questions about completed tasks
To ask a yes/no question, move the conjugated form of sein to the beginning of the sentence. The past participle stays at the end.
| Is the table set for dinner? | Ist der Tisch für das Abendessen gedeckt? |
| Is the white tablecloth already ironed? | Ist die weiße Tischdecke schon gebügelt? |
Word order with "ob"
In subordinate clauses, such as those starting with ob (if/whether), the conjugated form of sein goes to the very end of the sentence, right after the past participle.
| Are you asking if the gift is already taken care of? | Fragst du, ob das Geschenk schon besorgt ist? |
| He asks if the tasks are distributed well. | Er fragt, ob die Aufgaben gut verteilt sind. |
Describing other fixed states
The stative passive is common for describing any fixed condition or result, such as whether tickets are still available.
| The concert tomorrow is unfortunately already sold out. | Das Konzert morgen ist leider schon ausverkauft. |
