Partizip I als Adjektiv
Partizip I as an adjective
The Partizip I is formed from infinitive + "-d" (schlafen → schlafend). Before a noun it is declined like an adjective and expresses a simultaneous, active action: the child that is playing → das spielende Kind.
| Verb | Partizip I | Example |
|---|---|---|
| schlafen | schlafend | der schlafende Mann (the sleeping man) |
| spielen | spielend | das spielende Kind (the playing child) |
| lachen | lachend | die lachenden Kinder (the laughing children) |
| bellen | bellend | ein bellender Hund (a barking dog) |
Note:
- Meaning = active + simultaneous: der lesende Student = the student who is (currently) reading.
- It takes the normal adjective endings (der schlafende, ein schlafender).
- Do not confuse it with the Partizip II (which expresses passive/completed).
Common mistakes
- ❌ das spielend Kind → ✅ das spielende Kind (don't forget the adjective ending).
- ❌ der geschlafene Mann (Part. II, passive) → ✅ der schlafende Mann (active, simultaneous → Partizip I).
Examples:
- Der weinende Junge braucht Hilfe. (The crying boy needs help.)
- Die steigenden Preise sind ein Problem. (The rising prices are a problem.)
- Ich sah eine brennende Kerze. (I saw a burning candle.)
Das ___ Kind spielt im Garten. (spielen, Partizip I)