Breakdown of Die neue Steckdose kann morgen montiert werden.
neu
new
morgen
tomorrow
können
can / to be able to
werden
to be (passive auxiliary + past participle)
die Steckdose
the power outlet
montieren
to mount / to assemble
Questions & Answers about Die neue Steckdose kann morgen montiert werden.
How does the passive voice work with a modal verb in this sentence?
When using a modal verb like kann with the passive voice, the conjugated modal verb takes the second position. The action being done (montiert) and the passive helper verb (werden) are pushed to the very end. Together, montiert werden forms the passive infinitive (to be mounted).
Why is werden at the end of the sentence instead of right after kann?
In German, a modal verb in the second position creates a sentence bracket that pushes the rest of the verbs to the end of the clause. Since the passive infinitive consists of two parts (the past participle montiert plus werden), both are pushed to the end, with the infinitive werden coming last.
Why doesn't the past participle montiert start with ge-?
Verbs that end in -ieren, like montieren (to mount or install), are exceptions to the standard past participle rules. They never take the ge- prefix; they simply take a -t at the end.
Why is it Die neue Steckdose and not Die neu Steckdose?
Steckdose (power outlet) is a feminine noun acting as the subject (nominative case) of the sentence. After the definite article die, the adjective neu must take the weak ending -e, making it neue.
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