passive
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passive
Inactive, indifferent, or waiting; without becoming active or intervening oneself.
Anstatt seine Meinung zu sagen, verhielt er sich in der Diskussion völlig passiv.
Instead of saying what he thought, he behaved completely passively in the discussion.
passive
(Grammar) Refers to a grammatical form (the passive) in which the subject of the sentence does not perform the action itself, but receives it.
Der Satz „Das Auto wird repariert“ ist ein Beispiel für einen Satz im Passiv.
The sentence “The car is being repaired” is an example of a sentence in the passive.
liabilities-side
(Business) Refers to the liabilities side of a balance sheet, which shows the sources of a company's financial funds (equity and debt capital).
Zu den wichtigsten passiven Bilanzposten gehören Verbindlichkeiten und Rückstellungen.
The most important liabilities-side balance sheet items include liabilities and provisions.
You can recognize the meaning of 'passiv' (passive) from the context. If it is about human behavior, it means “inactive.” In texts about language, it refers to grammar. In connection with finances and balance sheets, the business meaning is intended.
Er blieb während des gesamten Streits passiv und sagte nichts.
He remained passive throughout the entire argument and said nothing.
When it is about behavior, 'passiv' (passive) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'passiv bleiben' (to remain passive), 'sich passiv verhalten' (to behave passively), or 'eine passive Rolle einnehmen' (to take on a passive role).
Anstatt zu helfen, sahen die Leute nur passiv zu.
Instead of helping, the people just watched passively.
As a grammatical term, 'passiv' (passive) describes sentences in which something happens to the subject. Watch for signal words like 'Satz' (sentence), 'Form' (form), 'Stimme' (voice), or verbs like 'bilden' (to form) or 'verwenden' (to use).
Im Deutschen wird das Passiv mit dem Hilfsverb „werden“ gebildet.
In German, the passive is formed with the auxiliary verb 'werden' (to become).
reserved / cautious
In a discussion, both passiv and zurückhaltend can describe limited participation. Passiv emphasizes that someone does not take action themselves. Zurückhaltend describes a more reserved or cautious manner in which the person may still be paying close attention and participating.
Im Gespräch blieb Lea passiv und wartete darauf, dass die anderen alles entschieden.
Lea remained passive during the conversation and waited for the others to decide everything.
Im Gespräch blieb Lea zurückhaltend und äußerte ihre Meinung erst nach einer direkten Frage.
Lea remained reserved during the conversation and only expressed her opinion when asked directly.
