Breakdown of Dieser Windstoß hätte durch ein geschlossenes Fenster verhindert werden können.
ein
a, an (eine)
haben
to have
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
können
can / to be able to
das Fenster
the window
schließen
to close
durch
through
werden
to be (passive auxiliary + past participle)
verhindern
to prevent
der Windstoß
the gust of wind
Questions & Answers about Dieser Windstoß hätte durch ein geschlossenes Fenster verhindert werden können.
What dictates the word order of verhindert werden können at the end of the sentence?
This is the standard word order for the passive voice with a modal verb in the past (Konjunktiv II). The formula at the end of the main clause is always: Past Participle of the main verb (verhindert) + werden + Modal Infinitive (können). The modal verb always anchors the very end of the sentence.
Why does this passive sentence use hätte as the auxiliary verb instead of wäre?
While standard passive sentences in the past use sein (and thus wäre in Konjunktiv II), the presence of a modal verb changes the rules. Modal verbs always form their perfect tenses with haben. Because the modal verb können is driving the sentence, you must use hätte.
Why is the infinitive können used here instead of the past participle gekonnt?
This is due to the double infinitive rule. Whenever a modal verb is used in a perfect tense alongside another verb's infinitive (in this case, the passive auxiliary werden), the modal verb drops its past participle form (gekonnt) and uses its infinitive form (können) instead.
Why does the sentence use durch instead of von to say "by a closed window"?
In German passive sentences, you use von (plus dative) for an active agent, which is usually a person or animal deliberately performing the action. You use durch (plus accusative) for a means, instrument, or cause. Since the window is an inanimate object acting as a physical barrier rather than an active participant, durch is the correct preposition.
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