Breakdown of Die Gesellschaft übt Druck auf die Regierung aus.
die Regierung
the government
die Gesellschaft
the society
Druck ausüben auf
to exert pressure on
Questions & Answers about Die Gesellschaft übt Druck auf die Regierung aus.
What is the Nomen-Verb-Verbindung (noun-verb combination) in this sentence?
The core phrase is Druck ausüben (to exert pressure). In a Nomen-Verb-Verbindung, a noun (Druck) and a support verb (ausüben) combine to form a specific meaning. Notice that the verb is separable, so ausüben splits, sending the prefix aus to the very end of the clause.
Why does the preposition auf take the accusative case (die Regierung) here?
The phrase Druck ausüben requires the preposition auf to indicate the target of the pressure. Because the pressure is directed at or onto a target, it uses the accusative case. This is a common pattern for abstract, directional actions in German.
Is it possible to use a different verb instead of ausüben with this noun?
Yes, in everyday spoken German you will often hear Druck machen auf, which means the same thing but is more colloquial. For written or formal German, Druck ausüben is the standard choice. Another very common equivalent structure is jemanden unter Druck setzen (to put someone under pressure).
Why is there no article before the noun Druck?
In many Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen, the noun is used as an abstract concept rather than a specific physical object, so it drops the article. You just say Druck ausüben, similar to other B2 phrases like Kritik üben (to criticize) or Abschied nehmen (to say goodbye).
Learn Die Gesellschaft übt Druck auf die Regierung aus and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free