Light Verbs For Intermediate learners
What is a Light Verb?
A light verb (Funktionsverben) is a verb that supports a noun or prepositional phrase. It gives more meaning to the noun or phrase and acts as an action frame. The combination of the light verb with the noun or the prepositional phrase makes a fixed expression.
Patterns for Light Verbs
Light verbs usually combine with nouns or prepositional phrases. These combinations create a specific action or concept.
Noun (Accusative) + Verb
Prepositional Phrase + Verb
Noun (Accusative) + Verb
In this pattern, the noun is in the accusative case and the light verb adds an action frame.
eine Frage stellen
to ask a question
einen Beweis erbringen
to provide proof
einen Vortrag halten
to give a lecture
Prepositional Phrase + Verb
Some light verbs combine with a prepositional phrase to express abstract or idiomatic actions.
in Frage stellen
to call into question
zu Ende bringen
to bring to an end
Common Light Verbs
Here are some of the most important light verbs in German:
kommen (to come, to move towards)
bringen (to bring, to carry)
stellen (to place, to put)
setzen (to set)
nehmen (to take)
stehen (to stand)
halten (to hold)
kommen (to come, to move towards)
The verb "kommen" has a sense of movement and coming to a state.
Seine Begeisterung kommt deutlich zum Ausdruck.
His enthusiasm is expressed clearly.
zum Ausdruck kommen → to be expressed
Neue Technologien kommen hier zum Einsatz.
New technologies are deployed here.
zum Einsatz kommen → to be deployed/used
Für die Stelle kommt nur ein Experte in Frage.
For the position, only an expert is eligible.
in Frage kommen → to be considered, eligible
bringen (to bring, to carry)
The verb "bringen" has a sense of transition and change.
Kannst du den Computer in Ordnung bringen?
Can you fix the computer?
in Ordnung bringen → to fix, to put in order
Sie brachte ihren Dank zum Ausdruck.
She expressed her gratitude.
zum Ausdruck bringen → to express
Bitte bringen Sie Ihre Arbeit zu Ende.
Please finish your work.
zu Ende bringen → to finish
stellen (to place, to put)
The verb "stellen" can be used in both physical and conceptual sense. It usually has a sense of posing or providing.
Der Student stellte eine kluge Frage.
The student asked a smart question.
eine Frage stellen → to ask a question
Niemand stellte seine Autorität in Frage.
No one questioned his authority.
in Frage stellen → to question, to doubt
setzen (to set)
The verb "setzen" has a sense of initiation or application.
Das neue Gesetz wird nächsten Monat in Kraft gesetzt.
The new law will be enacted next month.
in Kraft setzen → to enact, to implement
Der Vertrag wurde außer Kraft gesetzt.
The contract was suspended.
außer Kraft setzen → to repeal, to suspend
nehmen (to take)
The verb "nehmen" has a wide range of meanings. It usually means receiving or accepting something.
Viele Kunden nehmen diesen Service in Anspruch.
Many customers utilize this service.
in Anspruch nehmen → to utilize, to make use of
Ich nehme Ihre Entscheidung zur Kenntnis.
I take note of your decision.
zur Kenntnis nehmen → to take note of
stehen (to stand)
The verb "stehen" has a sense of position and location when it stands alone. As a light verb, it becomes more abstract and less physical.
Ich stehe regelmäßig in Verbindung mit meinem Bruder.
I am regularly in contact with my brother.
in Verbindung stehen → to be connected
machen (to make)
The verb "machen" usually has a sense of performance and action.
Darf ich einen Vorschlag machen?
May I make a suggestion?
einen Vorschlag Machen → to make a suggestion
halten (to hold)
The verb "haben" is usually about keeping or marinating something.
Der Professor hält einen Vortrag über Goethe.
The professor is giving a lecture about Goethe.
einen Vortrag halten → to give a lecture
Simple vs. formal (light verb) style
Light verbs are more common in formal and professional contexts.
Wir benutzen neue Software.
We use new software.
simple (no light verb)
Neue Software kommt zum Einsatz.
New software is deployed.
(light verb)
Ich merke mir das.
I am making a note of that.
simple (no light verb)
Ich nehme das zur Kenntnis.
I take note of that.
(light verb)
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