In German, turning verbs into adjectives is a common and versatile process that enriches the language by allowing speakers to describe actions, states, or qualities more precisely. This transformation is typically achieved through the addition of specific suffixes, which attach to the verb stem, modifying its meaning and converting it into an adjective. However, there are also other methods beyond suffixation that can accomplish this change, and these processes often have parallels in English.
The most straightforward and frequent method of transforming a verb into an adjective in German is by adding a suffix. Suffixes like -bar, -lich, -ig, -haft, and -sam are just a few examples that attach to the root of a verb to create an adjective. For instance, the verb essen (to eat) can be transformed into essbar (edible) by adding -bar. Similarly, denken (to think) becomes denkbar (thinkable). Similarly, English commonly employs -able, -ive, -ous, and -ing to form adjectives from verbs, like in "readable" (from "read"), "destructive" (from "destroy"), or "exciting" (from "excite"). Tomorrow we'll take a deeper look into each suffix, and try to figure out how they work.
Another method involves the use of participles, particularly the past participle (Partizip II). In German, past participles are often used directly as adjectives. For example, the past participle of kochen (to cook) is gekocht, which can function as an adjective meaning "cooked." Similarly, gefroren from frieren (to freeze) means "frozen." This process is quite similar in English, where past participles can also serve as adjectives, such as "broken" (from "break") or "frozen" (from "freeze").
There are also cases where adjectives are formed from verbs without the use of a suffix or participle, particularly in colloquial or idiomatic expressions. These instances often rely on a shift in usage rather than morphology. One striking example of this is the adjective "fahrbereit," which translates to "ready to drive" or "drive-ready." This term isn’t simply a combination of a verb and a suffix but rather a practical, colloquial expression that has become a commonly understood adjective. Another example is "streitlustig," which translates to "eager to argue" or "argumentative." This term directly conveys a readiness for conflict or debate, bypassing the typical morphological routes to form an adjective. Similarly, "sehnsüchtig," meaning "longing" or "yearning," is derived from the verb "sehnen" (to long) without the addition of a suffix, instead expressing a deep, emotional state.