77.3 For the workings of nature and sensory perceptions, constructions with es can be
used.
See 42.3g (p. 115) for the dummy subject es.
Es regnet.
It is raining.An der Bergstraße blüht es ganz herrlich.
On the Bergstraße the blossom is quite beautiful.Hier riecht es so gut nach warmem Brot.
There is such a lovely smell of warm bread here.77.4 Indicating that something can be done, is expressed by:
(a)lässt sich (plus infinitive).Ein deutlicher Unterschied ließ sich feststellen.
A distinct difference could be noticed/was noticeable.Das lässt sich am besten damit erkären, dass das Wasser vorne
eingedrungen war.
That can best be explained by the fact that the water had entered from
the front.Mit dem Betrieb von Windkraft lässt sich viel Geld verdienen.
A lot of money can be made from the operation of wind energy.(b) the suffix -bar of the adjective (see 55.1a for word formation with -bar):Das Verlängerungsteil ist abnehmbar.
The extension can be taken off/is removable/detachable.77.5 If it is either possible or necessary for something to be done, ist zu (+ infinitive) ‘can
be/must be’ (+ past participle) is used:
Die Mauer war vom Innern des Forums aus zu sehen/sichtbar.
The wall could be seen/was visible from the inside of the forum.Die Korrespondenzen sind bis spätestens Freitag zu erledigen.
The post/letters have to be dealt with by Friday at the latest.The exact English translation has to be inferred from the context and the use of adverbs
or modal particles (see 117.1c for modal particles):Die Handlung ist wohl zu rechtfertigen.
The action is probably justified./The action probably can be justified.Ihre Entscheidung ist unbedingt zu rechtfertigen.
Her decision is definitely justified.77.6 If neither the agent nor the object of the action is to be named, es wird (singular)
together with the past participle is used. Here the focus is entirely on the action or
process itself.
77
GIVING/SEEKING INFORMATION