Function verb structure

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In linguistics, verb constructions are known as functional verb structures (FVG; also known as swell form or stretch form) in which the meaning (the semantic content) is largely shifted from the verb to a noun and the verb itself only functions as a functional verb .

Definitions

The transitions between functional verb structures on the one hand and connections between main verb variants with ordinary objects on the other hand are fluid. Accordingly, the definition of functional verb structures is inconsistent.

  • For Peter Eisenberg , the functional verb must be connected with a prepositional group.
  • For Duden grammar , the functional verb can also be linked to an accusative object, but the noun must be deverbal.
  • For Gerhard Helbig and Joachim Buscha, functional verbs are the "group of verbs [...] which do not express the predicate alone in a certain use in the sentence"; accordingly "a functional verb structure consists of a functional verb and a nominal component [...] which together represent a semantic unit and as such form a predicate". You see the concept of the functional verb structure in the most comprehensive way.

Function verb structures with a prepositional object are not negated like a simple main verb with . They also have restricted morphosyntax ; starting with the sentence Helga expresses her conviction, a pronominalization like * Helga brings her conviction to him or a question like * What is Helga bringing her conviction to? not possible. The auto-semantics (independent meaning) of the functional verb is also greatly reduced; so with He performs the piece, unlike in He brings the chalk to the blackboard, there is no change of location.

In the following, this article is based on the expanded concept of the functional verb structure.

Examples

Function verb structures usually exist either

  • from a function verb and a prepositional object or
  • from a functional verb and a nominative object or
  • from a functional verb and an accusative object or
  • from a function verb and a dative object or
  • from a functional verb and a genitive object.

In contemporary German, the FVG is most often assigned a prepositional object. Functional verbs are full verbs that have largely lost their original meaning within the functional verb structure and can no longer form the predicate alone.

Examples of FVG with a prepositional object

  • report: Mr. Meier reported the theft.
  • come into effect: the law comes into effect today.

Examples of FVG with nominative property

  • Correspondence: It is certain that there is 100% agreement between the plagiarism and the original.
  • act as ...: the verb itself only acts as a functional verb .

Examples for FVG with accusative object

  • Giving a message: Peter gave Maria a message.
  • contemplate
  • Waive

Example for FVG with dative object

  • Take an Exam: The student must take an exam.

Example for FVG with genitive object

  • be of the opinion: I think that you speak faster than you think.

Performance and style

Peter Eisenberg describes the performance of the functional verb structures as follows: “The functional verb structures close lexical gaps, they allow special topic-rhema relationships and they enable certain passive paraphrases. Their actual achievement, however, consists in causation and signaling of types of action . ”In the sentence The government brings the draft law to a decision , it becomes clear that the draft law is moving in the direction of decision and the government controls the facts.

However, excessive use - for example in administrative language - leads to texts that are wooden and seem less lively. This so-called nominal style is often criticized by language stylists.

Wolf Schneider made a differentiated statement on the question of style:

“Consider, renounce, abstain from voting [...]: Why consider, renounce, do we not abstain? So we abstain! "
“Other extended verbs, on the other hand, serve a purpose: 'To make someone desperate' is not to be expressed in one word; we also have no verb for 'to be successful' […]. Instead of addressing the academic buzzword , it is even advisable to use a straight verb such as 'make a topic', 'make a topic out of it', 'bring it up' - if you don't just want to say 'take it up' or 'talk about it' [...]. "

literature

Web links

Wiktionary: functional verb structure  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Ludwig Reiners : Small style guide. dtv, Munich 1966, p. 90 f.
  2. ^ Peter Eisenberg, with the help of Rolf Thieroff: Grundriss der Deutschen Grammatik. Volume 2: The Sentence. 4th, updated and revised edition. Metzler, Stuttgart / Weimar 2013, ISBN 978-3-476-02424-4 , p. 305.
  3. ↑ Duden. The grammar (=  Duden. Volume 4). Edited by the Duden editorial team. 8th, revised edition. Dudenverlag, Mannheim / Zurich 2009, ISBN 978-3-411-04048-3 , p. 418.
  4. ^ Gerhard Helbig, Joachim Buscha: German grammar. A handbook for the foreigners' course. 19th edition. Langenscheidt, Leipzig a. a. 1999, ISBN 3-324-00118-8 , p. 79.
  5. ^ Peter Eisenberg, with the help of Rolf Thieroff: Grundriss der Deutschen Grammatik. Volume 2: The Sentence. 4th, updated and revised edition. Metzler, Stuttgart / Weimar 2013, ISBN 978-3-476-02424-4 , p. 308.
  6. ^ Gerhard Helbig, Joachim Buscha: German grammar. A handbook for the foreigners' course. 19th edition. Langenscheidt, Leipzig a. a. 1999, ISBN 3-324-00118-8 , p. 80.
  7. ^ Peter Eisenberg, with the help of Rolf Thieroff: Grundriss der Deutschen Grammatik. Volume 2: The Sentence. 4th, updated and revised edition. Metzler, Stuttgart / Weimar 2013, ISBN 978-3-476-02424-4 , p. 311.
  8. ^ Peter Eisenberg, with the help of Rolf Thieroff: Grundriss der Deutschen Grammatik. Volume 2: The Sentence. 4th, updated and revised edition. Metzler, Stuttgart / Weimar 2013, ISBN 978-3-476-02424-4 , p. 312.
  9. ↑ Wolf Schneider: German for connoisseurs. Piper, Munich 1996, p. 68 f.