Das Dokument kann auf dem Computer gespeichert werden.

the; (masculine or neuter, dative)

Breakdown of Das Dokument kann auf dem Computer gespeichert werden.

• können: can
• auf: on
• das Dokument: the document

Questions & Answers about Das Dokument kann auf dem Computer gespeichert werden.

Why is kann used in this sentence?

kann is the third-person singular form of the modal verb können (“to be able to / can”). It expresses that the action of saving the document is possible. In German main clauses the finite verb (here kann) must appear in the second position.

Why is the sentence in the passive voice (gespeichert werden) instead of active?

German (like English) often uses the passive when the emphasis is on the action or result rather than on who performs it. Here we care about the fact that the document can be saved, not who saves it. The passive is built with:

• the past participle gespeichert
• plus the auxiliary werden

How do you form the passive voice with a modal verb in German?

The structure is:

1. Conjugate the modal verb in second position (here kann).
2. Place all other elements (object, prepositional phrases, etc.).
3. Put Partizip II (“gespeichert”) immediately before the infinitive werden at the end.

Example order:
Das Dokument – kann – auf dem Computer – gespeichert – werden.

Why is werden at the end of the sentence and not conjugated like wird?