B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 13

Streamlining Your Sentences

5 Total Rules
54 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Transform your German sentences from clunky and repetitive to fluid, professional, and authentically native-sounding.

  • Master infinitive structures to reduce clause dependency.
  • Simplify complex sentences using anticipatory 'es' and verbal nouns.
  • Expand your vocabulary by substantivizing adjectives for precise expression.
Speak fluently, write concisely, sound native.

What You'll Learn

Hey there! Ready to take your German to the next level and truly sound like a native speaker? In this chapter, we're diving into some fantastic techniques that will make your sentences both more elegant and more concise. No more repetitive verbs! You'll master how to work with Infinitiv ohne zu and Infinitiv mit zu (infinitives with and without 'zu'). For example, when you want to say

I want to learn German,
you'll see how these structures make your sentences quick and fluid. Then, we'll explore 'es' as an anticipatory placeholder, which acts like a smart alternative for longer clauses, keeping your sentence structure clean and balanced. Ever wonder how to elegantly express two actions happening simultaneously? With 'beim' (verbal nouns), you'll learn to turn verbs into nouns to say things like
Beim Essen lese ich
(While eating, I read), instead of the longer
While I am eating, I read.
It's much more concise and natural! Finally, we'll tackle Adjectival Nouns, where adjectives become nouns, like Der Bekannte (the acquaintance) or das Neue (the new thing). These are incredibly useful and will make your German sound much more authentic. Imagine you're ordering in a German cafe and want to say
I would like to try the new coffee,
or discussing the known issues with friends. With these techniques, your sentences will become smoother, more precise, and significantly more professional. Let's get started and truly polish your German!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: convert subordinate clauses into concise infinitive or nominal phrases.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your next step in mastering B2 German grammar! This chapter is designed to elevate your German beyond simply being understood, helping you sound more natural and sophisticated. We'll be focusing on techniques that streamline your sentences, making your communication both more elegant and more concise. For learners aiming for a native speaker German proficiency, understanding these structures is crucial. You'll move from longer, sometimes clunky phrases to smooth, efficient expressions, a hallmark of advanced German sentence structure.
We'll dive into five essential grammar points that will empower you to express complex ideas with simplicity. From mastering Infinitiv ohne zu and Infinitiv mit zu to utilizing the anticipatory es, and transforming verbs into nouns with beim, you'll discover how to tighten your language. We’ll also explore German adjectival nouns, which are incredibly common and add a layer of naturalness to your speech. These aren't just obscure rules; they are tools that native speakers use constantly to convey meaning clearly and economically.
By the end of this chapter, you’ll have a robust toolkit for crafting sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also flow effortlessly. Imagine being able to express simultaneous actions or refer to people and things with precision, all while sounding like you've lived in Germany for years. This guide will help you polish your German language skills and gain confidence in a variety of conversational settings, pushing you closer to that coveted native-like fluency.

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down these powerful tools for German sentence streamlining. First up are infinitives. You'll encounter the Infinitiv ohne zu (infinitive without ‘zu’) with modal verbs like können (can), wollen (want), müssen (must), and also with verbs of perception such as sehen (to see) or hören (to hear), and verbs of motion like gehen (to go). For example: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.) or Wir gehen einkaufen. (We go shopping.)
In contrast, the Infinitiv mit zu (infinitive with ‘zu’) is used with many other verbs, adjectives, or nouns, especially when expressing purpose, intention, or necessity. The "zu" typically comes before the infinitive at the end of the clause. For instance: Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein. (It is important to be punctual.) or Ich versuche, ihn zu verstehen. (I try to understand him.)
Next, we have the anticipatory es with infinitive clauses. This handy pronoun acts as a placeholder, making longer clauses easier to digest and balancing your sentence structure. Instead of starting with a long infinitive clause, es takes its place at the beginning, anticipating the clause that follows. Example: Es ist schön, dich zu sehen. (It is nice to see you.) This is much smoother than "Dich zu sehen ist schön."
To express simultaneous actions concisely, beim (verbal nouns) is your friend. You use beim (a contraction of bei dem) followed by a capitalized infinitive (acting as a noun) to mean "while doing something." For example: Beim Essen lese ich ein Buch. (While eating, I read a book.) This is a much more elegant alternative to a subordinate clause like "Während ich esse, lese ich ein Buch."
Finally, German adjectival nouns allow you to turn adjectives into nouns to refer to people or things, often without needing a separate noun. The adjective is capitalized and takes on the declension of a normal adjective. The gender and case depend on the context and the implied noun. For people, you might say der Bekannte (the acquaintance, male) or die Bekannte (the acquaintance, female). For things or abstract concepts: das Neue (the new thing) or etwas Gutes (something good). These structures are incredibly common and will make your German sound much more authentic.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Ich versuche, das verstehen."
✓ Correct: "Ich versuche, das zu verstehen." (I try to understand that.)
*Explanation:* The verb versuchen (to try) requires "zu" before the infinitive. Many verbs in German require Infinitiv mit zu when followed by another verb.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Während ich koche, höre ich Musik." (When a simpler, more concise option exists for simultaneous actions by the same subject)
✓ Correct: "Beim Kochen höre ich Musik." (While cooking, I listen to music.)
*Explanation:* Using beim + verbal noun (Kochen) is a much more idiomatic and concise way to express simultaneous actions by the same subject, making your German sound more natural.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Die neuen Sachen sind interessant." (Referring to new things in general)
✓ Correct: "Das Neue ist interessant." (The new thing/what's new is interesting.)
*Explanation:* To refer to abstract concepts or general "things" derived from adjectives, das + capitalized adjective is often used. This is a common way to form adjectival nouns for concepts.

Real Conversations

A

A

Es ist wirklich toll, dich wiederzusehen! (It's really great to see you again!)
B

B

Ja, das finde ich auch! Beim Reden merke ich, wie viel wir nachzuholen haben. (Yes, I think so too! While talking, I realize how much we have to catch up on.)
A

A

Hast du schon den neuen Kollegen kennengelernt? Der Neue fängt heute an. (Have you met the new colleague yet? The new guy starts today.)
B

B

Noch nicht, aber ich freue mich darauf, ihn kennenzulernen. (Not yet, but I'm looking forward to getting to know him.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I *never* use 'zu' with an infinitive in German?

You should never use 'zu' with an infinitive when it follows modal verbs (können, wollen, müssen, dürfen, sollen, mögen), verbs of perception (sehen, hören, fühlen), verbs of motion (gehen, fahren, kommen), or certain other verbs like bleiben (to stay) or lernen (to learn, in the sense of 'learn to do something').

Q

Can I use 'beim' for any "while" clause?

You can use beim + verbal noun when the action expressed by the verbal noun is happening simultaneously with another action, and both actions are performed by the *same subject*. It's a great way to make your German grammar B2 sentences more concise.

Q

How do I determine the gender of an adjectival noun for a person?

For adjectival nouns referring to people, the gender is determined by the person's biological gender: der Bekannte (male acquaintance), die Bekannte (female acquaintance). The ending will then decline like an adjective.

Cultural Context

Native German speakers frequently use these structures to achieve conciseness and clarity, whether in casual conversation or formal writing. The use of beim (verbal nouns) is incredibly common in everyday speech to describe concurrent activities, making sentences less clunky. Similarly, adjectival nouns are ubiquitous; from referring to people like der Alte (the old man) or die Junge (the young woman) to abstract concepts like das Wichtige (the important thing), they are a cornerstone of natural German expression. Mastering these techniques will not only make your German more grammatically correct but also significantly more idiomatic, helping you integrate smoothly into German-speaking environments.

Key Examples (8)

1

Ich gehe heute Abend mit meinen Freunden tanzen.

I am going dancing with my friends tonight.

Infinitive without 'zu' (Infinitiv ohne zu)
2

Hast du den neuen Song im Radio spielen hören?

Did you hear the new song playing on the radio?

Infinitive without 'zu' (Infinitiv ohne zu)
3

Ich habe vergessen, den {der|m} Laptop einzupacken.

I forgot to pack the laptop.

German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)
4

Es macht Spaß, diesen {der|m} Feed zu scrollen.

It is fun to scroll through this feed.

German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)
5

Es ist wichtig, jeden Tag Vokabeln zu lernen.

It is important to learn vocabulary every day.

Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses
6

Ich finde es toll, neue Leute auf TikTok kennenzulernen.

I think it's great to meet new people on TikTok.

Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses
7

Ich habe mir beim Kochen in den Finger geschnitten.

I cut my finger while cooking.

Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)
8

Bitte nicht stören beim Arbeiten!

Please do not disturb while working!

Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The Modal Rule

If you see a modal verb, your brain should automatically block the word 'zu'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitive without 'zu' (Infinitiv ohne zu)
💡

Comma usage

Always use a comma before the 'zu' infinitive clause if it's long or for clarity.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)
💡

Comma Rule

Always place a comma before the infinitive clause. It helps the reader breathe.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses
💡

Capitalization

Always capitalize the verb. It is the most common error.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)

Key Vocabulary (5)

vorhaben to intend/plan beim while/at the der Bekannte the acquaintance das Neue the new thing es it (placeholder)

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Business Networking

Review Summary

  • Modal + Infinitive
  • zu + Infinitive
  • Es + verb + ... + zu + Infinitive
  • beim + nominalized verb
  • Article + capitalized adjective

Common Mistakes

Always use a comma before the infinitive group to ensure readability.

Wrong: Ich habe vor zu gehen.
Correct: Ich habe vor, zu gehen.

Use the nominalized verb form, not a conjugated verb after 'beim'.

Wrong: Beim ich esse, lese ich.
Correct: Beim Essen lese ich.

Adjectival nouns must be capitalized.

Wrong: Das ist das neue.
Correct: Das ist das Neue.

Next Steps

You have done incredible work today. Keep looking for these structures in your daily German reading, and you'll see your fluency skyrocket!

Read a German news article and highlight all 'zu' infinitives.

Continue to: Adding Detail with Relative Clauses

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Ich versuche, heute ___ (lernen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu lernen
Zu goes before the infinitive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)

Fill in the correct form.

___ (essen) lese ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Beim Essen
Capitalize the noun.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)

Correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Zu reisen ist es toll.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Zu reisen ist toll.
If the infinitive is fronted, 'es' must be removed.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Beim Laufen höre ich Musik.
Verb must be in second position.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich habe vor, anzurufen.
Separable verb rule.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)

Fill in the blank.

{Der|m} ___ (bekannt) kommt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Bekannte
Needs to be capitalized.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Adjectival Nouns: People and Things ({der|m} Bekannte, {das|n} Neue)

Fill in the blank with 'es' or leave it empty.

___ ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Es
The anticipatory 'es' is needed here.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses

Choose the correct form.

{Das|n} ___ (neu) ist gut.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Neue
Abstract is neuter.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Adjectival Nouns: People and Things ({der|m} Bekannte, {das|n} Neue)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich treffe den bekannte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: den Bekannten
Accusative case.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: German Adjectival Nouns: People and Things ({der|m} Bekannte, {das|n} Neue)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Beim arbeiten ich trinke Kaffee.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Beim Arbeiten trinke ich Kaffee.
Verb second rule.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things at the same time with 'beim' (Verbal Nouns)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Because it lacks the 'zu' particle, leaving the verb 'bare'.
Yes, all six modal verbs (können, müssen, sollen, dürfen, wollen, mögen) use this.
Usually yes, especially if the infinitive clause is long or follows a main clause.
No, never. 'Ich kann zu gehen' is wrong.
It acts as a placeholder to keep the sentence structure balanced.
No, only when the subject is an infinitive clause.
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Building Logical Connections
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Adding Detail with Relative Clauses
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