Nouns Forming Verbs and Viceversa: Backen vs. das Backen

In German, nominalization is the process of turning a verb, adjective, or other word into a noun. This is typically done by adding a suffix to the base word, such as -ung, -heit, -keit, -nis, -schaft, or -ung to the end of the word.

For example, The verb backen in German means "to bake," and it can be nominalized by adding various suffixes to create nouns with different meanings.

Nouns Forming Verbs and Vice Versa: Backen vs. das Backen

When we speak, we mostly use verbal phrases. In contrast, in the news and publications, we use nouns to add some formality. When a verb is converted to a noun, this is called nominalization.

This can help to form single main clauses instead of a main clause and subordinate clauses.

Verbstil:

Nominalstil:

Note: the genitive is often used to nominalize.