Word
Der Computer wird durch den Schredder zerfetzt.
Meaning
The computer is torn to shreds by the shredder.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Breakdown of Der Computer wird durch den Schredder zerfetzt.
der Computer
the computer
durch
through
werden
to be (passive auxiliary + past participle)
der Schredder
the shredder
Questions & Answers about Der Computer wird durch den Schredder zerfetzt.
Why is wird used here instead of ist?
This is the process passive, which focuses on the action happening right now. It uses a form of werden (here as wird) plus the past participle zerfetzt. If we used ist, it would be the state passive, describing the condition after the action is finished: Der Computer ist zerfetzt (The computer is in a shredded state).
Why does the sentence use durch den Schredder instead of von dem Schredder to mean 'by the shredder'?
In passive sentences, German distinguishes between the active agent and the instrument. We use von (plus dative) for a person or active agent who intentionally performs the action. We use durch (plus accusative) for the tool, means, or machine that causes the action. Since the shredder is a mindless machine acting as an instrument, durch is the correct choice.
What does the prefix zer- tell us in the word zerfetzt?
The inseparable prefix zer- indicates destruction, breaking into pieces, or dissolving. The base word is related to der Fetzen, which means a scrap or shred. So, adding zer- creates a verb meaning to tear into scraps or destroy completely.
Why is the article den used in durch den Schredder?