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.
배울 내용
Express purpose, absence, and alternatives using German infinitive constructions.
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목표 표현하기: ~하기 위해서 (damit vs. um...zu)나의 목표를 말할 때는
um...zu를, 남이 어떻게 되길 바랄 때는damit을 사용한다고 기억하면 아주 쉬워요! -
~하는 대신에 (statt...zu)동일한 주체가 다른 행동을 했을 때 'statt...zu' + 동사 원형을 사용하세요.
statt...zu,anstatt -
~하지 않고... (ohne...zu)주어가 같을 때 '~하지 않고'라고 말하려면
ohne...zu와 «동사원형»(Infinitive)을 조합해서 문장을 완성하세요! -
목적 표현하기: '~하기 위해서' (um...zu)행동의 목표를 말하고 싶을 때
um...zu를 사용하세요! 주어가 앞뒤 문장 모두 같을 때 쓰는 마법의 도구예요.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
-
1
By the end you will be able to: Differentiate between 'damit' (subject change) and 'um...zu' (same subject).
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2
By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using 'statt...zu' and 'ohne...zu' to describe alternative or missing actions.
챕터 가이드
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 somethingusing
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.
팁과 요령 (4)
⚠️
쉼표의 마법
한국어나 영어와 달리 독일어에서는
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 목표 표현하기: ~하기 위해서 (damit vs. um...zu)
um이나 damit 앞에 반드시 쉼표를 찍어야 해요. 문장을 예쁘게 잘라준다고 생각하세요! Ich esse, um zu leben.
💡
분리 동사 주의!
동사가 분리될 때 'zu'는 접두사와 동사 어간 사이에 와요. 예:
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하는 대신에 (statt...zu)
Statt Pizza zu essen, kocht er.
💡
분리동사 샌드위치 비법
동사가 분리동사라면 'zu'를 접두사와 동사 사이에 쏙 끼워 넣어주세요:
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하지 않고... (ohne...zu)
Ich gehe, ohne dich anzurufen.
🎯
쉼표는 선택이 아닌 필수!
독일어에서 'um'으로 시작하는 문장 앞에는 반드시 쉼표(,)를 찍어줘야 해요. 시험에서도 감점 요인이니 꼭 기억하세요!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 목적 표현하기: '~하기 위해서' (um...zu)
Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
핵심 어휘 (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
자주 하는 실수
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.
정답:
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.
정답:
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.
정답:
Statt zu arbeiten, schläft er.
이 챕터의 규칙 (4)
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.
빠른 연습 (6)
실수를 찾아 수정하세요
Statt zu ausgehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Statt auszugehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.
분리 동사 'ausgehen'의 경우, 'zu'는 접두사와 기본형 사이에 위치해요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하는 대신에 (statt...zu)
문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 올바르게 고치세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich fahre in den Urlaub, ohne ich einen Koffer packe.
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich fahre in den Urlaub, ohne einen Koffer zu packen.
인피니티브 구문에서는 두 번째 절에서 주어('ich')를 다시 반복해서 쓰면 안 됩니다.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하지 않고... (ohne...zu)
괄호 안의 동사를 알맞은 형태('zu' 포함)로 바꾸어 빈칸을 채우세요.
Er geht spazieren, ohne eine Jacke ______ (anziehen).
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: anzuziehen
'anziehen'은 분리동사이기 때문에 'zu'가 접두사 'an-'과 동사 'ziehen' 사이에 들어갑니다.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하지 않고... (ohne...zu)
문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich trinke Tee, statt Kaffee zu kochen.
부정사 구문에서 'zu' + 동사 원형은 맨 끝에 와야 해요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하는 대신에 (statt...zu)
빈칸을 채우세요
Er spielt Fußball, statt ___.
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu lernen
부정사 구문에는 동사 앞에 'zu'가 필요해요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하는 대신에 (statt...zu)
문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요.
다음 중 맞는 문장은?
✓ Correct!
✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie isst Pizza, ohne sie zu bezahlen.
'ohne', 목적어 'sie', 그리고 맨 끝에 'zu + 동사원형'이 모두 있어야 완벽한 문장이에요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하지 않고... (ohne...zu)
Score: /6
자주 묻는 질문 (6)
아니요, 절대 안 돼요! 주어가 다르면 반드시
damit을 써야 합니다. 예를 들어 Ich helfe dir, damit du fertig wirst(네가 끝낼 수 있게 내가 도와줄게)처럼요.
의미는 똑같이 '~하기 위해서'예요. 차이는 문법적인 구조에만 있습니다. 주어가 바뀌느냐 아니냐가 핵심이에요.
네, 의미상 100% 상호 교환 가능해요. 'Anstatt'는 더 긴 버전일 뿐이고 약간 더 격식 있게 들릴 수 있지만, 'statt'가 일상 대화에서 훨씬 흔하게 쓰여요.
Wir gehen spazieren, anstatt zu Hause zu bleiben.
아니요. 독일어에서는 주절과 부정사 구문을 분리하기 위해 쉼표가 필수예요. 빼먹으면 선생님이 빨간 펜을 들 거예요!
Statt zu schlafen, liest er.
'~하지 않고'라는 뜻이에요. 주된 행동을 하는 동안 일어나지 않은 두 번째 행동을 묘사할 때 써요. 예를 들어:
Er schläft, ohne zu träumen.
아니요, 그럴 땐 사용할 수 없어요. 주어가 다를 때는 'ohne dass'를 사용해야 합니다. 예를 들어:
Er geht, ohne dass ich es sehe.
