Unit 16: Finishing Touches
5. Reflexive Constructions as Substitutes for the Passive Voice
Certain reflexive forms may serve as substitutes for the passive voice. They may often be translated with the words “can be,” although there are also other possible translations:
Dieses Buch liest sich leicht.
This book can be read easily. [or:] This book is easy to read.
Dieser Satz übersetzt sich nicht!
This sentence cannot be translated. [or:] This sentence is untranslatable!
Wir gratulieren Sie! You have completed this foundation course in reading German, and we wish you a fruitful journey in your future reading of German texts.
You may find the Review Units 13-16 exercise more valuable now or as a later review opportunity.
