B2-6 · Describing people with Partizip I
Body language
Form participle attributes to describe visible gestures without assuming what someone feels.
About 5 minutes to read · 12 quiz questions
01
Describe what you can see
At a discussion evening, you can describe actions without guessing feelings. Add -d to an infinitive to form Partizip I: lächeln → lächelnd. Before a noun, it takes an adjective ending.
Die lächelnde Frau begrüßt die Gruppe.
The smiling woman greets the group.
Der nickende Zuhörer sitzt am Fenster.
The nodding listener sits by the window.
Das wartende Paar schaut zur Tür.
The waiting couple looks towards the door.
Die sprechende Person macht eine kurze Pause.
The person speaking takes a short break.
A lächelnde Frau is a woman who is smiling. The form describes an ongoing action, not a completed one. A smile alone does not prove agreement.
02
Give the participle an ending
Treat Partizip I like an adjective before a noun. Compare der nickende Mann with den nickenden Mann. The ending follows the article, gender and case, not the meaning of the gesture.
Ich sehe den nickenden Mann.
I see the nodding man.
Eine lächelnde Teilnehmerin hebt die Hand.
A smiling participant raises her hand.
Wir sprechen mit einem wartenden Gast.
We speak with a waiting guest.
Sie hört lächelnd zu.
She listens with a smile.
Without a noun, an adverbial participle has no adjective ending: Sie hört lächelnd zu. Before Frau, add the ending: die lächelnde Frau.
03
Observe before interpreting
A person can smile, hesitate or remain silent for many reasons. Use participle attributes to identify the visible action. Keep your interpretation separate, especially when a gesture seems unfamiliar.
Die schweigende Kollegin hört aufmerksam zu.
The silent colleague listens attentively.
Ich bemerke einen zögernden Blick.
I notice a hesitant glance.
Wir wenden uns dem fragenden Teilnehmer zu.
We turn towards the participant who is asking a question.
Eine Geste erklärt nicht die ganze Situation.
One gesture does not explain the whole situation.
Schweigend means remaining silent. Zögernd means hesitating. Neither word tells you the person's motive. Check the noun phrase before choosing the adjective ending.
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