Session 2, Activity 2 (German)

Discussion

When ‘es’ is used as a subject in German, it often functions as a placeholder in sentences where there is no clear or specific subject. In these cases, ‘es’ functions as a grammatical necessity. This text demonstrates how ‘es’ functions as a grammatical necessity to introduce impersonal or abstract ideas without referring to a specific subject.

Discussion

Here are the key differences between English and German in the sentences where ‘es’ is used as a grammatical necessity (dummy subject):

1. Es ist wichtig, dass alle pünktlich zur Besprechung kommen.

   German: Uses ‘es’ as a subject placeholder, followed by a subordinate clause (dass alle pünktlich zur Besprechung kommen).

   English: It is important that everyone comes to the meeting on time.

   ‘It’ is used similarly as a dummy subject, but the sentence structure is more direct, with ‘it’ also introducing the subordinate clause (that everyone comes...).

2. Es gibt viel zu tun.

   German: ‘Es gibt’ is used in existential constructions (similar to ‘there is/there are’). The verb ‘gibt’ remains in the singular regardless of the subject.

   English: ‘There is a lot to do.’

   In English, ‘there is’ is used, which functions similarly to ‘es gibt’ but does not translate directly as ‘there’ isn’t an actual subject in German.

3. Es scheint, dass einige Aufgaben schwieriger sind.

   German: ‘Es scheint’ introduces the sentence as a general or impersonal observation. The subordinate clause (dass einige Aufgaben schwieriger sind) clarifies the statement.

   English: It seems that some tasks are more difficult.

   Like in German, ‘it’ is used as a dummy subject in English to introduce an observation or general statement, followed by a similar structure (that some tasks...).

4. Es tut mir leid, aber die Präsentation ist noch nicht fertig.

   German: ‘Es tut mir leid’ is a fixed expression meaning ‘I’m sorry.’ The subject ‘es’ is required to make the sentence grammatically complete, even though ‘es’ doesn’t refer to a specific subject.

   English: I’m sorry, but the presentation is not ready yet.

   In English, it is omitted, and the phrase starts directly with the subject making the sentence more personal. German maintains the impersonal ‘es’.

5. Es wurde viel diskutiert.

   German: In passive constructions like this, ‘es’ introduces the action. The sentence focuses on the fact that something (discussions) took place, without mentioning who discussed.

   English: A lot was discussed.

   English can drop the subject ‘it’ entirely in passive sentences, focusing on the action directly, whereas German retains ‘es’ as a placeholder subject.

6. Es gefällt mir hier.

   German: ‘Es’ is used here as a subject placeholder. The verb ‘gefällt’ (is pleasing) is used with ‘mir’ (to me), which is a typical German construction.

   English: I like it here.

   In English, this is expressed directly using ‘I’ as the subject. The verb ‘like’ is active and personal, whereas in German, ‘gefällt’ is more passive (something ‘pleases’ the speaker).

7. Es gibt viele Möglichkeiten.

   German: ‘Es gibt’ introduces the existence of something (possibilities). The phrase is fixed, with ‘gibt’ always in the singular, even if the subject is plural.

   English: There are many possibilities.

   In English, ‘there are’ is used for plural subjects. English differentiates between ‘there is’ (singular) and ‘there are’ (plural), while German keeps ‘es gibt’ regardless of number.

Discussion

German grammar tends to follow stricter rules regarding the use of a subject, ensuring that every sentence has a clear grammatical subject, even if it’s a placeholder like ‘es’. This helps maintain clarity.