B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 15 min read Mittel

Sich an etwas gewöhnt haben (Be Used To + -ing)

Wenn du „be used to + -ing“ meisterst, klingst du super natürlich, wenn du über aktuelle „Gewohnheiten“ und deine „Komfortzone“ sprichst.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'be used to' + '-ing' to describe things that are familiar, normal, or no longer strange to you.

  • Always include the verb 'be' (am/is/are/was) before 'used to' for current familiarity. Example: 'I am used to the noise.'
  • Follow 'used to' with a noun or a gerund (-ing verb). Example: 'She is used to driving in traffic.'
  • Never use the base form of the verb after 'be used to'. Example: 'I am used to wake up early' is incorrect.
👤 + 🐝 (am/is/are) + 🧱 (used to) + 🏃‍♂️-ing / 📦 (Noun)

Overview

Hast du schon einmal versucht, von einem iPhone auf ein Android-Gerät umzusteigen, und hattest das Gefühl, deine Daumen wären plötzlich gebrochen? Oder bist du in ein neues Land gezogen und versuchst ständig, auf der Fahrerseite in das Auto einzusteigen, nur um festzustellen, dass das Lenkrad auf der anderen Seite ist? Dieses Gefühl von 'das ist seltsam' verschwindet irgendwann.
Wenn das passiert, brauchst du eine bestimmte Grammatikstruktur, um deine neue Komfortzone zu beschreiben. Hier kommt be used to ins Spiel. Es ist die Brücke zwischen 'das ist merkwürdig' und 'das ist mein normales Leben'.
Die meisten Leute vermasseln das, indem sie es mit vergangenen Gewohnheiten verwechseln. Aber heute stellen wir sicher, dass du diesen Fehler nie wieder machst.

How This Grammar Works

Das Wichtigste, was du dir merken musst, ist, dass das to in dieser Phrase eine Präposition ist. Es ist kein Teil eines Infinitivs. Das ist der 'Aha!'-Moment für die meisten Lernenden.
Da to eine Präposition ist, muss ein Substantiv oder ein Gerundium (die -ing-Form) folgen. Du kannst kein Basisverb verwenden. Denk an den Ausdruck 'excited about'.
Du sagst 'I am excited about the party' oder 'I am excited about going'. Du sagst nicht 'I am excited about go'. Die gleiche Logik gilt hier.
Du bist an etwas used to. Dieses 'Etwas' ist dein Substantiv oder Gerundium. Es beschreibt deine aktuelle Realität.

Formation Pattern

1
Beginne mit deinem Subjekt (I, You, The cat, My roommate).
2
Füge die richtige Form des Verbs to be hinzu. Diese ändert sich je nach Subjekt und Zeitform (am, is, are, was, were, will be).
3
Füge die feste Wendung used to hinzu.
4
Beende den Satz mit einem Gerund (Verb auf -ing) oder einem Substantiv/Pronomen.

When To Use It

Verwende dies, wenn etwas für dich 'normal' geworden ist.
  • Neue Umgebungen: Du bist in ein Wohnheim gezogen und hast dich endlich daran used to, das Bad mit fünf Fremden zu teilen.
  • Technologie: Du hast eine neue Gaming-Maus und bist an die zusätzlichen Tasten used to.
  • Wetter: Du bist von Florida nach Kanada gezogen und hast dich endlich daran used to, drei Schichten Kleidung zu tragen.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Das Verb 'be' vergessen: Leute sagen 'I used to the city.' Falsch! Du brauchst am/is/are. Richtig: 'I am used to the city.'
  2. 2Den Infinitiv verwenden: Das ist der Klassiker. Leute sagen 'I am used to wake up early.' Dein Englischlehrer ist gerade in Ohnmacht gefallen. Benutze das -ing! Richtig: 'I am used to waking up early.'

Contrast With Similar Patterns

  • Used to + Base Verb: Für vergangene Gewohnheiten. 'I used to eat meat' (Ich bin jetzt Vegetarier).
  • Be used to + Gerund: Für den Zustand des Gewohntseins. 'I am used to the noise' (Der Lärm stört mich nicht mehr).

Quick FAQ

F: Kann ich das für Personen verwenden?

Ja! 'I'm used to my roommate's snoring.'

F: Ist es immer -ing?

Ja, wenn du ein Verb benutzt. Oder benutze einfach ein Substantiv: 'I'm used to the noise.'

Conjugating 'Be Used To'

Subject Verb 'Be' Used To Object (Noun/Gerund)
I
am / was
used to
the noise / working
You
are / were
used to
the weather / driving
He/She/It
is / was
used to
the food / waking up
We
are / were
used to
the rules / living here
They
are / were
used to
the traffic / commuting

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Negative Contraction
I am used to
I'm used to
I'm not used to
You are used to
You're used to
You aren't used to
He is used to
He's used to
He isn't used to
We are used to
We're used to
We aren't used to

Meanings

To be familiar with something so that it no longer seems surprising, difficult, or strange.

1

Current State of Familiarity

Describing a present situation where you feel comfortable or adjusted to a specific environment or habit.

“I am used to working late on Tuesdays.”

“He is used to the cold weather in Canada.”

2

The Process of Adjustment (Get used to)

Using 'get' instead of 'be' to describe the transition from something being strange to becoming familiar.

“It took me a while to get used to the new software.”

“You will soon get used to the commute.”

3

Past Familiarity

Describing a state of being accustomed to something in the past that may or may not continue now.

“When I lived in the city, I was used to hearing sirens all night.”

“They weren't used to such high levels of humidity.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Sich an etwas gewöhnt haben (Be Used To + -ing)
Muster Bedeutung Beispiel
Be used to + -ing
Gewohnt sein an / Vertraut sein mit (aktueller Zustand)
I'm used to waking up early.
Get used to + -ing
Der Prozess, sich an etwas zu gewöhnen
I'm getting used to waking up early.
Used to + infinitive
Vergangene Gewohnheit/Zustand, nicht mehr wahr
I used to wake up late.
Be used for + noun/-ing
Zweck eines Objekts
This knife is used for cutting bread.
Be used as + noun
Funktion/Rolle eines Objekts
This box can be used as a table.

Formalitätsspektrum

Formell
I have become accustomed to the revised schedule.

I have become accustomed to the revised schedule. (Workplace)

Neutral
I'm used to the new schedule.

I'm used to the new schedule. (Workplace)

Informell
I'm cool with the new hours.

I'm cool with the new hours. (Workplace)

Umgangssprache
I'm down with the new shift.

I'm down with the new shift. (Workplace)

Be Used To + -ing: Deine Komfortzone

Be Used To + -ing

Struktur

  • Subjekt e.g., I, She, We
  • Be-Verb am, is, are, was, were
  • Used to The fixed phrase
  • Gerundium Verb + -ing

Verwendung

  • Aktuelle Gewohnheiten Routine actions
  • Anpassung Adjusted to new situations
  • Komfortzone Things that feel normal
  • Auch Nomen! Used to + noun (e.g., the cold)

Kontrast zu

  • Used to + Inf. Past habits, no longer true
  • Get Used To + -ing Process of adapting

Used To: Eine Familie von Phrasen

Be Used To + -ing: Gewohnt sein
I'm used to waking up early. Jetzt gewohnt.
She's used to the noise. Findet es normal.
Get Used To + -ing: Sich gewöhnen
I'm getting used to waking up early. Im Anpassungsprozess.
She's getting used to the noise. Passt sich noch an.
Used To + Infinitiv: Früher gewohnt
I used to wake up late. Vergangene Gewohnheit, nicht mehr.
She used to live in a quiet town. Vergangener Zustand, nicht jetzt.

Welches 'Used To' verwende ich?

1

Sprichst du über eine frühere Gewohnheit oder einen Zustand, der nicht mehr existiert?

YES
Verwende: used to + infinitive
NO
Weiter
2

Beschreibst du den *Prozess*, sich an etwas zu gewöhnen?

YES
Verwende: get used to + -ing
NO
Weiter
3

Beschreibst du einen *Zustand*, bereits an etwas gewöhnt zu sein?

YES
Verwende: be used to + -ing
NO
Überdenke deine Absicht!

Aktivitäten, an die wir uns gewöhnen

Tägliche Routinen

  • waking up early
  • commuting
  • cooking healthy
  • exercising daily
🏙️

Neue Umgebungen

  • the city noise
  • cold weather
  • driving on the left
  • new food
💻

Arbeitsleben

  • working remotely
  • long meetings
  • managing deadlines
  • new software
👥

Soziale Situationen

  • speaking English
  • meeting new people
  • large gatherings
  • different customs

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

I am used to the cold.

I am used to the cold.

2

She is used to the noise.

She is used to the noise.

3

Are you used to the food?

Are you used to the food?

4

They are not used to the sun.

They are not used to the sun.

1

I am used to my new car.

I am used to my new car.

2

He isn't used to the new teacher.

He isn't used to the new teacher.

3

We are getting used to the new house.

We are getting used to the new house.

4

Is she used to her new phone?

Is she used to her new phone?

1

I am used to waking up at 6 AM.

I am used to waking up at 6 AM.

2

She is used to working in a team.

She is used to working in a team.

3

They aren't used to eating so late.

They aren't used to eating so late.

4

Are you used to living in a flat?

Are you used to living in a flat?

1

I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.

I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.

2

She was used to being the best in her class.

She was used to being the best in her class.

3

You'll get used to the pressure of the job.

You'll get used to the pressure of the job.

4

We weren't used to having so much free time.

We weren't used to having so much free time.

1

He is quite used to being criticized by the media.

He is quite used to being criticized by the media.

2

I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.

I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.

3

Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.

Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.

4

They had become used to the silence of the desert.

They had become used to the silence of the desert.

1

The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.

The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.

2

One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.

One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.

3

She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.

She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.

4

He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.

He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.

Leicht verwechselbar

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs. Used To (Past Habit)

Learners mix up 'I used to drive' (past habit) and 'I am used to driving' (current familiarity).

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs. Get Used To

Learners think 'be used to' and 'get used to' are identical.

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs. Usually

Learners use 'used to' to talk about present habits.

Häufige Fehler

I used to the cold.

I am used to the cold.

You forgot the verb 'be'.

I am use to the cold.

I am used to the cold.

You must use the 'd' at the end of 'used'.

I am used the cold.

I am used to the cold.

You forgot the preposition 'to'.

He used to the rain.

He is used to the rain.

Subject-verb agreement: 'He' needs 'is'.

I am used to drive.

I am used to driving.

You used the base verb instead of the -ing form.

Are you used to the new job?

Are you used to the new job?

This is actually correct, but learners often try to say 'Do you used to...'

I not used to this.

I am not used to this.

Missing 'am' in the negative.

I used to living here.

I am used to living here.

Confusing 'used to' (past habit) with 'be used to' (familiarity).

I am used to wake up early.

I am used to waking up early.

The 'to' is a preposition, so it needs -ing.

I've used to the noise.

I've gotten used to the noise.

In the present perfect, you usually need 'gotten' to show the process.

I am used to be told what to do.

I am used to being told what to do.

Even in the passive, you must use the -ing form ('being').

Satzmuster

I am used to ___.

She isn't used to ___ing ___.

It took me a long time to get used to ___.

Are you used to ___ yet?

Real World Usage

Job Interview very common

I am used to working under tight deadlines.

Social Media common

Still not used to the new update! #tech

Travel constant

Are you used to the local currency yet?

Texting very common

Ugh, not used to this heat wave.

Doctor's Visit occasional

Are you used to the side effects of the medication?

Moving House common

I'm getting used to the new neighborhood.

💡

Achte auf das 'Be'-Verb

Schau immer, ob ein 'be'-Verb (am, is, are, was, were, will be) vor 'used to' steht. Wenn es fehlt, sprichst du wahrscheinlich über eine vergangene Gewohnheit ('used to + Infinitiv'):
I used to live there.
⚠️

Gerundium ist entscheidend!

Die größte Falle! Denk daran, das 'to' in 'be used to' ist eine Präposition. Deshalb MUSS danach die -ing Form des Verbs (Gerundium) kommen, nicht die Grundform:
She is used to studying hard.
🎯

Denk an 'Normal für mich'

Wenn du überlegst, ob du 'be used to + -ing' nutzen sollst, frag dich: 'Ist diese Aktivität oder Situation jetzt normal und bequem für mich?' Wenn ja, dann ist das dein Muster:
This is normal for me now.
🌍

An neue Kulturen anpassen

Dieses Muster ist super nützlich, wenn du über kulturelle Anpassung sprichst. Zum Beispiel: "I'm used to eating dinner late here oder She's not used to the direct communication style yet."
💡

Nomen gehen auch!

Vergiss nicht, du kannst 'be used to' auch mit Nomen oder Nomenphrasen verwenden, nicht nur mit Gerundien. Zum Beispiel: "I'm used to the traffic statt I'm used to driving in traffic."

Smart Tips

Check if there is a 'be' verb before 'used'. If yes, add -ing!

I am used to drive. I am used to driving.

Use 'get used to' to describe your journey of adjustment.

I am used to the city. (But I just arrived!) I am getting used to the city.

Use 'accustomed to' instead of 'used to' for a more professional tone.

I'm used to the new rules. I have become accustomed to the new regulations.

Use the present perfect: 'I still haven't gotten used to...'

I am not used to it yet. I still haven't gotten used to it.

Aussprache

yoost-too

The 'd' in 'used'

In 'used to', the 'd' is often silent or blends into the 't' of 'to'. It sounds like /juːst tuː/.

yoost (rhymes with boost)

The 's' sound

The 's' in 'used to' is unvoiced /s/, unlike the verb 'to use' which has a voiced /z/.

Stress on 'used'

I am USED to it.

Emphasizing that you are indeed familiar, perhaps after someone doubted you.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Remember: 'BE used to -ING'. If you see the verb 'BE', you must use the '-ING'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person standing comfortably in a snowstorm. They are wearing a t-shirt and smiling. They are 'used to' the cold. The 'BE' verb is like the t-shirt—it's part of their current state.

Rhyme

With a 'be' and a 'to', the '-ing' is for you!

Story

When I first moved to the city, the sirens kept me awake. I was NOT used to the noise. After a month, I started GETTING used to it. Now, I AM used to the noise and I sleep like a baby.

Word Web

AccustomedFamiliarHabitNormalAdjustedRoutineComfortable

Herausforderung

Look around your room. Find three things you are used to (e.g., 'I am used to the color of my walls') and one thing you are still getting used to.

Kulturelle Hinweise

British people often use 'be used to' when discussing the weather or queuing. It's a way of showing resilience.

In the US, this is frequently used when discussing long commutes or large food portions.

This is the primary grammar rule used in 'Culture Shock' workshops to describe the adjustment phase.

The word 'used' comes from the Old French 'user', meaning 'to practice or be accustomed to'.

Gesprächseinstiege

What is something about your city that visitors aren't used to?

Are you used to waking up early, or are you a night owl?

Tell me about a habit you're still getting used to.

If you moved to a different country, what would be the hardest thing to get used to?

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about your first week at a new job or school. What were you not used to?
Describe a major life change (moving, a new relationship, a health change). How did you get used to it?
Compare your life now to five years ago. What are you used to now that you weren't then?
Discuss the concept of 'The New Normal' in the context of global changes.

Häufige Fehler

Incorrect

Richtig


Incorrect

Richtig


Incorrect

Richtig


Incorrect

Richtig

Test Yourself

Wähle die richtige Form, um den Satz zu vervollständigen.

He ___ used to working in a team.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
'He' nimmt im Präsens das einzelne 'is'.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am used to drive my kids to school every day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to driving my kids to school every day.
Nach 'be used to' muss das Verb in der -ing Form (Gerundium) stehen. 'Drive' sollte 'driving' sein.
Gib den korrekten englischen Satz ein. Übersetzung

Übersetze ins Englische: 'Ella está acostumbrada a levantarse temprano.'

Answer starts with: ["S...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She is used to getting up early.","She's used to getting up early."]
Das Muster 'be used to + -ing' drückt aus, an etwas gewöhnt zu sein. 'Getting up early' ist die Gerundiumsform.
Bringe die Wörter in die richtige Reihenfolge, um einen korrekten Satz zu bilden. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is used to the noise
Die richtige Reihenfolge ist Subjekt + 'be' + 'used to' + Nomen. 'Noise' ist hier ein Nomen.

Score: /4

Ubungsaufgaben

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

I am not used to ___ (eat) such a large breakfast.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: eating
'Be used to' must be followed by a gerund (-ing).
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to living in London.
The structure is 'be' + 'used to' + '-ing'.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is used to wake up at 5 AM every morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wake
It should be 'waking' because 'be used to' requires a gerund.
Rewrite the sentence using 'be used to'. Sentence Transformation

Driving on the left is now normal for me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to driving on the left.
'Be used to' describes something that is normal.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

1. I used to run. 2. I am used to running.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1=Past habit, 2=Current familiarity
'Used to' (no 'be') is for the past.
Fill in the blank. Dialogue Completion

A: How is the new job? B: It's hard, I'm not ___ the long hours yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: used to
The 'am' is already there, so we just need 'used to'.
Is this rule true or false? True False Rule

You can use 'be used to' with a noun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
Yes, e.g., 'I am used to the noise.'
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

not / I / used / am / to / weather / this

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am not used to this weather.
Subject + be + not + used to + noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Wähle die richtige Form. Lückentext

They were used to ___ all night for exams.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: studying
Wähle die richtige Form. Lückentext

My cat ___ used to sleeping on my bed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler. Error Correction

We are used to live in a small apartment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We are used to living in a small apartment.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler. Error Correction

He isn't used to the long hours, he needs to getting used to them.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He isn't used to the long hours, he needs to get used to them.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt? Multiple Choice

Wähle den korrekten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to eating spicy food.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt? Multiple Choice

Wähle den korrekten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They weren't used to traveling so much.
Gib den korrekten englischen Satz ein. Übersetzung

Übersetze ins Englische: 'Nosotros no estamos acostumbrados al silencio de aquí.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We are not used to the quiet here.","We aren't used to the quiet here."]
Gib den korrekten englischen Satz ein. Übersetzung

Übersetze ins Englische: '¿Estás acostumbrado a vivir solo?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Are you used to living alone?","Are you used to living by yourself?"]
Bringe die Wörter in die richtige Reihenfolge, um einen korrekten Satz zu bilden. Sentence Reorder

Ordne diese Wörter zu einem Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is already used to the new software
Bringe die Wörter in die richtige Reihenfolge, um einen korrekten Satz zu bilden. Sentence Reorder

Ordne diese Wörter zu einem Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is always used to staying up late
Ordne jede Situation der richtigen 'used to'-Phrase zu. Match Pairs

Ordne die Themen der richtigen Form zu:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Ordne den Satzanfang seinem richtigen Ende zu. Match Pairs

Ordne die Anfänge den richtigen Enden zu:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

`Used to` describes a past habit (e.g., 'I used to smoke'). `Be used to` describes current familiarity (e.g., 'I am used to the noise').

No. You must say `I am used to swimming`. The 'to' is a preposition, so it needs a gerund.

Not exactly. `Get used to` is the process of becoming familiar. `Be used to` is the final state of being familiar.

Yes! 'You will soon be used to the new system.'

Because 'used' is acting as an adjective (like 'tired' or 'bored').

Yes, absolutely. 'I am used to the city.'

It is neutral and used in all contexts, from casual chat to business meetings.

Use the negative: 'I am not used to...' or 'I haven't gotten used to...'

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Estar acostumbrado a + infinitivo

Spanish uses infinitive; English uses gerund.

French moderate

Être habitué à + infinitif

English uses 'be' + 'used to' + '-ing'.

German partial

An etwas gewöhnt sein

German uses 'zu' + infinitive; English uses 'to' + '-ing'.

Japanese high

〜に慣れている (ni narete iru)

Japanese doesn't have a gerund/infinitive distinction in the same way.

Arabic moderate

معتاد على (mu'tad 'ala)

Preposition choice and verb form.

Chinese low

习惯 (xíguàn)

English requires the 'be' verb and specific verb endings.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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