Formal noun–verb combinations
Formal German often uses a noun with a relatively light verb: eine Entscheidung treffen, in Betracht ziehen, zur Verfügung stehen, zur Verfügung stellen. Learn the whole expression, including its articles, prepositions and case.
Understand the idea
Formal German often combines a meaningful noun with a relatively light verb. The whole expression carries the intended meaning, while its article, preposition and case are part of the pattern. These combinations are useful for both recognising formal writing and producing it accurately.
Build it step by step
Learn the complete phrase rather than translating an English verb one word at a time. Examples include eine Entscheidung treffen and in Betracht ziehen. Distinguish zur Verfügung stehen, where the available thing is the subject, from zur Verfügung stellen, where a provider makes something available. Conjugate the light verb normally and learn its participle where needed.
See it in a sentence
Wir müssen eine Entscheidung treffen.
Sie hat gestern eine Entscheidung getroffen.
A useful memory aid
Write each expression with one person or thing filling its main roles. Then switch tense without changing the expression's essential preposition or article.
A common trap
Do not swap a light verb for a plausible English-based alternative. Also avoid confusing stands available with makes available: stehen and stellen assign different roles.