German grammar: Unpersönliche Ausdrücke

What this grammar point covers

Impersonal expressions in German ('Unpersönliche Ausdrücke') are phrases that do not refer to a specific person. They are often used to make general statements, give opinions, or express necessity.

When to use it

Use impersonal expressions in German when you want to talk in general, give opinions, express necessity, or avoid saying who is doing the action. They are common in formal writing and speaking.

Key forms

• Es ist + Adjektiv + zu + Infinitiv (e.g. Es ist wichtig zu lernen.)
• Es gibt + Substantiv (e.g. Es gibt viele Möglichkeiten.)
• Es scheint, dass... (e.g. Es scheint, dass er krank ist.)
• Man + Verb (e.g. Man sagt, dass...)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to always use 'es' as the subject in these expressions, even if it does not refer to anything specific.
• After 'zu' + infinitive, the verb always goes at the end of the sentence.
• Do not use a personal pronoun (like 'ich' or 'du') in these sentences.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes, 'man' is used instead of 'es' to make general statements about people.