B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 47

Infinitive Constructions: um...zu, ohne...zu, statt...zu

4 Reglas totales
43 ejemplos
7 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of linking actions and intentions efficiently using German infinitive clauses.

  • Distinguish between dependent clauses and infinitive phrases.
  • Express your intentions and motives using precise German grammar.
  • Connect actions seamlessly by describing how or why you perform them.
Simplify your sentences, amplify your expression.

Lo que aprenderás

Express purpose, absence, and alternatives using German infinitive constructions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Differentiate between 'damit' (subject change) and 'um...zu' (same subject).
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using 'statt...zu' and 'ohne...zu' to describe alternative or missing actions.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

This chapter introduces essential German infinitive constructions that will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas with greater precision and fluency. Mastering «um...zu,» ohne...zu, and statt...zu allows you to clearly articulate purpose, absence, and alternatives in your sentences. These structures are crucial for moving beyond basic sentence formation and understanding the nuances of German communication, a key step at the B1 level.
You will learn to express in order to or so that using um...zu and understand its distinction from damit, which serves a similar purpose when the subjects of the clauses are different. Furthermore, you will gain the skill to describe actions performed without doing something using ohne...zu and to present alternatives with
instead of doing something
using statt...zu. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to integrate these elegant and practical grammatical tools seamlessly into your German conversations and writing.

How This Grammar Works

These infinitive constructions are subordinate clauses that typically follow a main clause, providing additional information about the action described in the main clause. They always end with the infinitive form of the verb, preceded by zu.
Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)
You use um...zu when the subject of the main clause is the same as the implied subject of the infinitive clause. It answers the question Wozu? (What for?) or Warum? (Why?).

Structure: ..., um + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren. (I'm learning German in order to study in Germany.)
* Du gehst ins Fitnessstudio, um fit zu bleiben. (You go to the gym in order to stay fit.)
* Wir sparen Geld, um eine Reise zu machen. (We're saving money in order to take a trip.)
Expressing Purpose: 'So that / in order to' (damit vs. um...zu)
While um...zu is used when the subjects are the same, damit is used when the subject of the purpose clause is *different* from the subject of the main clause. damit introduces a regular subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes to the end.

Structure: ..., damit + Subjekt + andere Satzteile + konjugiertes Verb.

* Ich erkläre dir das, damit du es verstehst. (I'm explaining this to you so that you understand it.) – *Here, ich explains, but du understands.*
* Der Lehrer spricht langsam, damit die Schüler alles notieren können. (The teacher speaks slowly so that the students can note everything.)
Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
This construction expresses that an action is performed without another accompanying action.

Structure: ..., ohne + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden. (You leave without saying goodbye.)
* Sie hat den Kaffee getrunken, ohne Zucker hinzuzufügen. (She drank the coffee without adding sugar.)
* Wir haben den Film gesehen, ohne das Ende zu verraten. (We watched the movie without revealing the end.)
Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
This construction indicates an alternative or a contrary action. It shows what is done instead of something else.

Structure: ..., statt + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du bleibst zu Hause, statt mit uns ins Kino zu gehen. (You're staying home instead of going to the cinema with us.)
* Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen. (He's reading a book instead of watching TV.)
* Sie kocht, statt Essen zu bestellen. (She's cooking instead of ordering food.)
Important Note on 'zu':
The 'zu' particle always precedes the infinitive verb. If the verb is separable (e.g., *einkaufen*), 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the stem: *einzukaufen*.
* Ich fahre zum Supermarkt, um Lebensmittel einzukaufen. (I'm driving to the supermarket in order to buy groceries.)

Common Mistakes

✗ Wir lernen Deutsch, damit in Deutschland zu studieren.
✓ Wir lernen Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Why: The subject is the same (wir / we), so um...zu is required, not damit.
✗ Du gehst, ohne zu dich verabschieden.
✓ Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden.
Why: The pronoun/object dich comes before zu in these constructions.
✗ Er liest ein Buch, statt fern zu sehen.
✓ Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen.
Why: For separable verbs, 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb stem (fern-sehen becomes fern-zu-sehen).
✗ Ich bin gekommen, um du zu helfen.
✓ Ich bin gekommen, um dir zu helfen.
Why: The object of the infinitive clause (dir) must be in the correct case (dative in this instance).

Real Conversations

A

A

Ich muss nach Berlin fahren, um meine Familie zu besuchen.
B

B

Möchtest du mit dem Zug fahren, statt das Auto zu nehmen? Das ist oft entspannter.
A

A

Ja, gute Idee! Ich sollte auch Tickets online kaufen, um Geld zu sparen.

Translation:

A

A

I have to go to Berlin to visit my family.
B

B

Do you want to go by train instead of taking the car? That's often more relaxed.
A

A

Yes, good idea! I should also buy tickets online in order to save money.
A

A

Warum machst du die Hausaufgaben, ohne die Anleitung zu lesen?
B

B

Oh, ich dachte, ich wüsste schon alles. Aber du hast recht, ich sollte die Anleitung lesen, um keine Fehler zu machen.
A

A

Genau! Es ist besser, sicherzugehen, statt später alles korrigieren zu müssen.

Translation:

A

A

Why are you doing the homework without reading the instructions?
B

B

Oh, I thought I already knew everything. But you're right, I should read the instructions in order not to make any mistakes.
A

A

Exactly! It's better to be sure instead of having to correct everything later.

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use um...zu versus damit?

Use um...zu when the subject performing the action in the main clause is the *same* as the subject performing the action in the infinitive clause. Use damit when the subjects are *different*.

Q

Can these zu constructions be used with modal verbs?

No, not directly. The infinitive verb in um...zu, ohne...zu, or statt...zu is the main verb of the subordinate clause. If you need a modal verb, it usually changes the main clause's structure, or you might need a different construction (e.g., using damit with a modal verb). For example, you wouldn't say

um gehen zu können,
but rather
um gehen zu können
(correct, the modal können is the infinitive here) or if the subject changes
damit du gehen kannst
.

Q

Where does nicht go in these infinitive constructions?

Nicht typically precedes zu in these constructions. For example:

Ich gehe nicht ins Kino, um nicht zu spät zu kommen.
(I'm not going to the cinema in order not to be too late.) Or
Sie fährt Fahrrad, ohne einen Helm zu tragen.
(She rides a bike without wearing a helmet.)

Q

Are these constructions always at the end of a sentence?

They are always at the end of the clause they belong to. They usually follow the main clause as a subordinate clause. For example:

Ich lerne, um besser zu werden.

Cultural Context

The precision offered by infinitive constructions like «um...zu,» ohne...zu, and statt...zu reflects a broader characteristic often associated with the German language: its emphasis on clarity and explicitness. While other languages might rely on simpler conjunctions or context, German often provides distinct grammatical tools to express exact relationships between actions and intentions.
This grammatical feature allows speakers to convey their purposes, omissions, and alternatives without ambiguity, a trait often valued in German communication, whether in everyday conversation or more formal settings. Mastering these structures not only improves your grammatical accuracy but also helps you sound more natural and sophisticated to native speakers, allowing you to articulate your thoughts with the same directness and detail they expect and appreciate. They are elegant shortcuts that make complex sentences more concise and understandable.

Ejemplos clave (6)

1

Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.

Aprendo alemán para trabajar en Berlín.

Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)
2

Ich schicke dir den Link, damit du das Video sehen kannst.

Te envío el enlace para que puedas ver el video.

Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)
3

Ich schaue eine Serie, statt zu schlafen.

Estoy viendo una serie en vez de dormir.

En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)
4

Wir bestellen Pizza, anstatt zu kochen.

Estamos pidiendo pizza en lugar de cocinar.

En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)
5

Ich gehe in die Küche, um den Kaffee zu kochen.

Voy a la cocina para preparar el café.

Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)
6

Sie spart das Geld, um die Weltreise zu machen.

Ella ahorra el dinero para hacer el viaje por el mundo.

Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Consejos y trucos (4)

⚠️

La trampa de la coma

En alemán, olvidar la coma antes de 'um' o 'damit' es un error grave. ¡Corta siempre tu frase con una coma!:
Ich trainiere, um fit zu sein.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)
💡

La cuña separable

Revisa siempre si el verbo es separable. Si lo es, el 'zu' se mete en medio: einzukaufen. ¡Es el error típico en B1!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)
💡

El truco de los separables

Si el verbo es separable, el 'zu' se mete en medio como un relleno: anzuziehen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hacer cosas sin... (ohne...zu)
🎯

La coma es la reina

En alemán, las frases de infinitivo con 'um' siempre llevan coma. Es un detalle pequeño que marca la diferencia en tus exámenes:
Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Vocabulario clave (6)

die Absicht intention statt instead of ohne without der Zweck purpose erledigen to finish/take care of sparen to save

Real-World Preview

plane

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • damit + subject + ... + verb
  • um + ... + zu + infinitive
  • statt + ... + zu + infinitive
  • ohne + ... + zu + infinitive

Errores comunes

You cannot use 'damit' with an infinitive. 'Damit' requires a full clause with a conjugated verb.

Wrong: Ich gehe in den Park, damit zu laufen.
Correcto: Ich gehe in den Park, um zu laufen.

You cannot use 'um...zu' when the subject changes. If you are learning so HE learns, you must use 'damit'.

Wrong: Ich lerne, um er Deutsch lernt.
Correcto: Ich lerne, damit er Deutsch lernt.

The infinitive clause acts as a position 1 element, so the verb must come immediately after the comma.

Wrong: Statt zu arbeiten, er schläft.
Correcto: Statt zu arbeiten, schläft er.

Next Steps

You have mastered a key B1 pillar. Keep practicing, and these structures will become second nature!

Write a diary entry using 5 infinitive constructions.

Continue to: Pronouns and Relative Clauses

Práctica rápida (9)

Rellena el espacio en blanco

Er spielt Fußball, statt ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu lernen
La construcción de infinitivo requiere 'zu' antes del verbo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)

Rellena el espacio con 'um' o 'damit'.

Ich gebe dir meine Nummer, ___ du mich anrufen kannst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: damit
Usamos 'damit' porque los sujetos son diferentes: 'Ich' (da el número) y 'du' (llama).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)

¿Cuál de estas frases es gramaticalmente correcta?

Elige la forma correcta de expresar propósito:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne viel, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
Como el sujeto es el mismo (Ich), usamos 'um...zu' sin repetir el sujeto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)

Rellena los espacios con la estructura correcta.

Ich gehe in den Supermarkt, ____ Brot ____ kaufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um / zu
La construcción es siempre 'um' al inicio de la cláusula de propósito y 'zu' antes del infinitivo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich gehe in die Küche, damit einen Kaffee zu kochen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe in die Küche, um einen Kaffee zu kochen.
Para intenciones con el mismo sujeto, usamos 'um...zu', no 'damit' seguido de 'zu'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: para que / para (damit vs. um...zu)

¿Qué frase es correcta?

Choose the grammatically correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich trinke Tee, statt Kaffee zu kochen.
En una frase de infinitivo, 'zu' + infinitivo van al puro final.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)

¿Qué frase es gramaticalmente correcta?

Elige la cláusula de propósito correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.
Necesitas tanto el 'um' como el 'zu', y el infinitivo debe ir al puro final.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Encuentra y corrige el error en esta frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich rufe dich an, um wir zu sprechen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ambas son correctas dependiendo del contexto.
Si 'nosotros' hablamos, usa 'damit'. Si 'yo' quiero hablar contigo, 'um zu sprechen' funciona si quitas el sujeto extra 'wir'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expresar propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Encuentra y corrige el error

Find and fix the mistake:

Statt zu ausgehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Statt auszugehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Para verbos separables como 'ausgehen', el 'zu' se coloca entre el prefijo y la base.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: En lugar de hacer algo (statt...zu)

Score: /9

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

¡No, nunca! Si los sujetos son distintos, debes usar damit. Por ejemplo:
Ich helfe dir, damit du fertig wirst
.
No, ambos expresan el mismo propósito. La diferencia es puramente gramatical según si el sujeto cambia o se mantiene igual.
No, son 100% intercambiables. 'Anstatt' es solo la versión larga y suena un poco más formal, pero 'statt' es mucho más común:
Ich trinke Tee statt Kaffee.
No. En alemán, la coma es obligatoria para separar la frase principal de la construcción de infinitivo. Si la olvidas, ¡tu profe sacará el bolígrafo rojo!
Significa 'sin hacer algo'. Se usa para describir una segunda acción que no ocurrió mientras la primera sí. Por ejemplo:
Er schläft, ohne zu träumen
.
No. Ambas acciones deben ser realizadas por el mismo sujeto. Si son diferentes, usa 'ohne dass'. Ejemplo:
Er geht, ohne dass ich es sehe
.
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