Der Regen verzögert das Konzert.

The rain delays the concert.

Breakdown of Der Regen verzögert das Konzert.

• der Regen: the rain
• das Konzert: the concert
• verzögern: to delay

Questions & Answers about Der Regen verzögert das Konzert.

What is the function and form of verzögert in the sentence?

verzögert is the 3rd-person singular present tense of the verb verzögern (to delay). It is a transitive verb with an inseparable prefix ver-, so the prefix remains attached in main‐clause word order. The subject (Der Regen) performs the action on the direct object (das Konzert).

Which cases are Der Regen and das Konzert in, and why?

Der Regen is in the nominative case because it’s the subject of the verb. das Konzert is in the accusative case because it’s the direct object of verzögern. In German, the subject is nominative and the direct object is accusative.

Why is Konzert preceded by das instead of den Konzert?

Konzert is a neuter noun, and neuter nouns take das in both nominative and accusative. Only masculine nouns change to den in the accusative case.

How would you express the same idea in the past tenses?

Simple past (Präteritum):
Der Regen verzögerte das Konzert.

Present perfect (Perfekt):
Der Regen hat das Konzert verzögert.

In spoken German, the Perfekt is more common; in written narratives you often see the Präteritum.

Is verzögern a separable-prefix verb? How can you tell?

No, verzögern is inseparable because it has the prefix ver-. Inseparable-prefix verbs (ver-, be-, er-, ent-, emp-, ge-, miss-, zer-, etc.) never split in main‐clause word order.

How can you turn the sentence into the passive voice?

Passive:
Das Konzert wird (durch den Regen) verzögert.

Here Das Konzert becomes the subject, wird verzögert is the passive construction, and durch den Regen indicates the agent (optional in passive).

How do you ask “What is delaying the concert?” in German?

You can say:
Was verzögert das Konzert?

Or more explicitly:
Wer oder was verzögert das Konzert?

What is the noun form of verzögern, and how do you use it?

The noun is die Verzögerung (the delay). Example:
Die Verzögerung des Konzerts ärgerte die Besucher.
(The delay of the concert annoyed the attendees.)

Can verzögern be used reflexively, and what does that mean?

Yes. In its reflexive form sich verzögern it means “to be delayed.” Example:
Die Abfahrt verzögerte sich um eine Stunde.
(The departure was delayed by one hour.)