Breakdown of Es bleibt zu prüfen, ob der Wirkstoff als Heilmittel funktioniert.
es
it
funktionieren
to work (function)
bleiben
to stay
zu
to (infinitive marker)
ob
whether / if
prüfen
to check / to test
als
as (in the role of)
der Wirkstoff
the active ingredient
das Heilmittel
the cure
Questions & Answers about Es bleibt zu prüfen, ob der Wirkstoff als Heilmittel funktioniert.
Why does zu prüfen mean 'to be tested' here, instead of just 'to test'?
The structure es bleibt + zu + infinitive is a special impersonal phrase. Even though the infinitive prüfen is active in form, this construction gives it a passive meaning. Therefore, es bleibt zu prüfen expresses that something still needs to be done, translating to 'it remains to be tested'.
What is the literal breakdown of the word Wirkstoff?
It is a compound of the verb stem from wirken (to have an effect or to work) and the noun der Stoff (substance or material). Together, they form the specific medical and chemical term for an 'active ingredient'.
Why is the verb funktioniert pushed to the very end of the sentence?
The word ob (whether or if) is a subordinating conjunction. As a quick refresher: subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and force the conjugated verb of that clause to the very end.
What case is applied to Heilmittel after the word als?
It is in the nominative case. The word als (as) does not trigger a specific case itself. Instead, the noun after als copies the case of the noun it refers to. Since it describes der Wirkstoff, which is the nominative subject of the ob clause, Heilmittel is also nominative.
Learn Es bleibt zu prüfen, ob der Wirkstoff als Heilmittel funktioniert 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