Abstract
This article deals with the occurrence
of es in the subject position in German.
It explores the functions of es
as the subject of impersonal verbs, impersonal
copula constructions and
impersonal passive constructions.
Explanations are offered to its
obligatory and facultative functions in different
construction types. The
final part of the paper explores through a pilot study
the acceptability
of es as an expletive element in sentences with two predicates
and one
subject. Two rules are given to explain the
findings.