Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)
um...zu to link an action to its goal when the subject remains the same.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'um...zu' to express the purpose of an action, placing the 'zu' + infinitive at the end of the sentence.
- Use 'um' at the start of the clause and 'zu' before the infinitive verb.
- The infinitive verb always goes to the very end of the sentence.
- The subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause must be the same.
Overview
In German, expressing the purpose or intent behind an action is a fundamental communicative task. While a simple sentence might state what you are doing, a more sophisticated sentence explains why. The primary grammatical tool for this is the um...zu infinitive construction.
This structure directly translates to the English 'in order to' or simply 'to' when expressing a goal. It answers the fundamental question "Wofür?" (What for?) or the more formal "Zu welchem Zweck?" (For what purpose?).
At its core, um...zu is an infinitive construction (Infinitivkonstruktion). This is a powerful concept in German grammar because it allows you to create subordinate clauses without needing to conjugate a verb. The verb simply rests at the end of the clause in its original infinitive form.
This makes um...zu clauses structurally efficient and less prone to conjugation errors. They are an essential feature of fluent German, allowing you to connect ideas logically and avoid the choppy, disconnected feel of simple consecutive sentences. For example, instead of saying, `Ich lerne jeden Tag.
Ich will die B1-Prüfung bestehen. (I study every day. I want to pass the B1 exam.), you can create a single, fluid sentence: Ich lerne jeden Tag, um die B1-Prüfung zu bestehen.`
The most critical rule governing this construction is that the subject performing the main action must be the same as the one intending to achieve the goal. If you are learning German in order for you to get a job, um...zu is the perfect tool. If you are giving your friend a key in order for them to open the door, you must use a different structure (damit).
Understanding this single-subject constraint is the key to mastering um...zu and distinguishing it from its counterparts. This construction is not merely a piece of formal grammar; it is ubiquitous in everyday spoken and written German, making it indispensable for any learner aiming for the B1 level and beyond.
How This Grammar Works
um...zu construction forms what is known as a final clause (Finalsatz). In linguistics, a final clause specifies the purpose, goal, or intended outcome of the action described in the main clause. Think of um and zu as a set of grammatical brackets or a clamp (Klammer) that holds the purpose clause together.um initiates the clause, and the phrase zu + Infinitiv concludes it, with all the descriptive details of the goal placed in between.um...zu clause. The um...zu clause is a subordinate clause, which means its word order is different from a main clause. Specifically, the verb that expresses the goal is sent to the very end of the sentence.um + [Additional Information] + zu + Infinitive. For instance, in Wir fahren nach München, um das Oktoberfest zu besuchen, the action is Wir fahren nach München, and the purpose is um das Oktoberfest zu besuchen. The verb of purpose, besuchen, is at the end.um...zu clause.- Correct:
Er nimmt einen Kredit auf, um ein Haus zu kaufen.(He is taking out a loan in order for himself to buy a house.) - Incorrect:
Die Mutter gibt dem Kind Geld, um Eis zu kaufen.(This is grammatically flawed because the implied subject of 'buying ice cream' is the child, not the mother. The correct sentence requiresdamit:Die Mutter gibt dem Kind Geld, damit es Eis kauft.)
um...zu construction is a streamlined shortcut that works precisely because it omits a redundant subject. When the subject changes, the shortcut is no longer viable, and the full subordinate clause structure with a conjugated verb (damit) becomes necessary.anrufen, einkaufen, vorbereiten), the zu is elegantly inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. It becomes a single, compound word.anrufenbecomesanzurufen. Example:Ich brauche mein Handy, um meine Freundin anzurufen.vorbereitenbecomesvorzubereiten. Example:Sie braucht Zeit, um sich auf das Interview vorzubereiten.
zu is a consistent rule for all separable verbs in infinitive clauses and is a key sign of proficient German sentence construction.Formation Pattern
um...zu is a methodical process. By following a clear pattern, you can reliably form grammatically correct sentences that express purpose. The structure is built in a fixed sequence, making it easy to replicate.
Hauptsatz): Begin with a complete main clause that states the primary action.
um...zu clause with a comma.
um: Start the purpose clause with the introductory word um.
Mittelfeld): Insert any additional information, such as objects, adverbs, or prepositional phrases, that describes the goal.
zu + Infinitive: Conclude the clause with zu followed by the verb in its infinitive form.
[Hauptsatz], um [Mittelfeld] zu [Infinitiv].
Ich lerne Deutsch. | , | um | einen besseren Job in Wien | zu bekommen. | Ich lerne Deutsch, um einen besseren Job in Wien zu bekommen. |
Sie macht mehr Sport. | , | um | gesünder | zu leben. | Sie macht mehr Sport, um gesünder zu leben. |
Wir sind umgezogen. | , | um | näher an der Schule | zu sein. | Wir sind umgezogen, um näher an der Schule zu sein. |
Er hat angerufen. | , | um | sich für sein Verhalten | zu entschuldigen. | Er hat angerufen, um sich für sein Verhalten zu entschuldigen. |
um...zu: For emphasis or stylistic variation, you can begin a sentence with the purpose clause. When you do this, the entire um...zu clause occupies the first position in the sentence. According to the V2 (verb-second) rule, the conjugated verb of the main clause must immediately follow. The structure becomes: Um [Mittelfeld] zu [Infinitiv], [Verb des Hauptsatzes] + [Subjekt]...
Um einen besseren Job zu bekommen, lerne ich Deutsch.
Um gesünder zu leben, macht sie mehr Sport.
nicht): To express a negative purpose ('in order not to...'), the word nicht is typically placed just before the zu + infinitive group at the end of the clause. This negates the entire goal.
Ich fahre langsam, um keinen Unfall zu bauen. (I'm driving slowly in order not to cause an accident.)
Sie flüstert, um das Baby nicht aufzuwecken. (She is whispering in order not to wake the baby.)
When To Use It
um...zu is most effective and natural. Its use spans all registers of the German language, from casual conversation to formal academic writing.um...zu is essential for articulating goals and justifying actions. It conveys clear-headedness and purpose.- During a job interview:
Ich habe mich auf diese Stelle beworben, um meine Kenntnisse im Marketing praktisch anzuwenden.(I applied for this position in order to practically apply my marketing knowledge.) - In a business email:
Wir organisieren einen Workshop, um das Team auf die neue Software zu schulen.(We are organizing a workshop in order to train the team on the new software.)
- In an essay:
Der Autor verwendet Ironie, um die gesellschaftlichen Missstände zu kritisieren.(The author uses irony in order to criticize the social grievances.) - When discussing study habits:
Ich erstelle Zusammenfassungen, um den Stoff besser zu verinnerlichen.(I create summaries in order to better internalize the material.)
um...zu is used constantly for simple, daily intentions. It is not a purely formal structure.- Explaining an errand:
Ich gehe kurz zur Post, um ein Paket abzuholen.(I'm going to the post office quickly to pick up a package.) - Stating a simple reason:
Mach bitte das Fenster auf, um frische Luft hereinzulassen.(Please open the window to let in fresh air.)
Sie spart ihr ganzes Geld, um nächstes Jahr eine Weltreise zu machen.(She is saving all her money in order to go on a world trip next year.)Er lernt kochen, um unabhängiger von seinen Eltern zu sein.(He is learning to cook in order to be more independent from his parents.)
um...zu instantly elevates your German. It demonstrates that you can think and structure your thoughts in a way that is native to the language, connecting cause and effect, action and intention, into a single, cohesive statement.Common Mistakes
um...zu. Being aware of these common errors is the most effective way to avoid them.um...zu vs. damit Confusion (The Subject Swap)um...zu only when the subject of both the action and the goal is the same. When the subjects are different, you must use damit ('so that').um...zu | Same as main clause subject | Ich trainiere, um zu gewinnen. | I train, and I want to win. (Subject: ich -> ich) |damit | Different from main clause subject | Ich trainiere dich, damit du gewinnst. | I train you, and I want you to win. (Subject: ich -> du) |damit | Same subject (less common) | Ich trainiere, damit ich gewinne. | This is grammatically correct, but um...zu is strongly preferred for its elegance and conciseness when the subject is identical. |Ich gebe dir den Schlüssel, um die Tür aufzuschließen. (Implies I am opening the door with the key I am giving you.)Ich gebe dir den Schlüssel, damit du die Tür aufschließt.zu or umum...zu construction are mandatory. Omitting one or the other results in an incomplete or grammatically incorrect sentence.- Forgetting
zu:*Ich gehe in die Bibliothek, um ein Buch lesen.This is a common error for English speakers, as 'to' is a single word. In German, the two parts (um/zu) are inseparable for this meaning. - Forgetting
um:*Ich gehe in die Bibliothek, ein Buch zu lesen.Whilezu+ infinitive clauses exist, they serve different grammatical functions (e.g., following certain verbs likeversuchen,beginnen). Withoutum, the specific meaning of 'in order to' is lost.
zu with Separable Verbszu must be placed inside a separable verb, between the prefix and the stem. Learners often place it before the entire verb, which is incorrect.- Wrong:
Ruf mich bitte an, um den Termin zu bestätigen.(ifbestätigenwere separable, which it isn't) Let's use a real one:Ruf mich bitte an, um zu mitkommen. - Right:
Kommst du mit, um beim Einkaufen zu helfen? - Right:
Sie schaltet den Fernseher ein, um die Nachrichten anzusehen.
um...zu is not optional. It is a required punctuation mark that signals the boundary between the main clause and the purpose clause.- Wrong:
Ich trinke Kaffee um wach zu bleiben. - Right:
Ich trinke Kaffee, um wach zu bleiben.
Real Conversations
Grammar is only useful if it prepares you for real-world communication. The um...zu construction is not just textbook German; it’s everywhere. Here is how you will encounter it in modern, everyday contexts.
Texting and Instant Messaging:
In the fast-paced, abbreviated world of messaging, um...zu remains a common and efficient way to state purpose.
- Bin kurz im Supermarkt, um was für heute Abend zu holen. (At the supermarket for a sec to get something for tonight.)
- Musste heute früher los, um den Stau zu vermeiden. (Had to leave earlier today to avoid the traffic jam.)
- Schick mir die Adresse, um dich später zu finden! (Send me the address so I can find you later!)
Workplace and Professional Communication:
In emails and meetings, um...zu signals professionalism and clarity of thought.
- In an email: Anbei erhalten Sie die Dokumente, um Ihnen einen Überblick zu verschaffen. (Attached you will find the documents in order to give you an overview.)
- In a meeting: Wir sollten die Zahlen analysieren, um die beste Strategie zu bestimmen. (We should analyze the figures in order to determine the best strategy.)
- A slack message: Ping mich an, um die Details zu besprechen. (Ping me to discuss the details.)
Casual Spoken German:
Listen for it in conversations with friends, in cafés, or in movies. It’s used to give quick reasons or express motivations.
- A friend giving advice: Du solltest vielleicht eine Pause machen, um den Kopf freizukriegen. (Maybe you should take a break to clear your head.)
- A personal reflection: Manchmal muss man Risiken eingehen, um im Leben weiterzukommen. (Sometimes you have to take risks to get ahead in life.)
- A simple statement of fact: Ich benutze diese App, um den schnellsten Weg zur Arbeit zu finden. (I use this app to find the fastest way to work.)
Quick FAQ
können or wollen in an um...zu clause?Yes, this is a common and important structure for expressing the ability or desire to achieve a purpose. In this case, the modal verb is also in its infinitive form and is placed at the very end of the sentence, after the main verb's infinitive. The structure becomes: ..., um [Mittelfeld] [Infinitiv] zu [Modalverb-Infinitiv].
Er lernt schnell, um bald mit uns sprechen zu können.(He's learning fast in order to be able to speak with us soon.)Sie bewirbt sich um ein Stipendium, um im Ausland studieren zu dürfen.(She's applying for a scholarship in order to be allowed to study abroad.)
um...zu wollen is rare because um...zu already implies intent.um?Yes. According to the official rules of German orthography (Rechtschreibung), infinitive clauses introduced by um, ohne, statt, als, or außer must be separated from the main clause by a comma. There is no stylistic exception to this rule in standard written German.
nicht go?The word nicht generally precedes the element it is negating. In an um...zu clause, it most commonly appears just before the final verb phrase to negate the entire purpose. Example: Er schleicht aus dem Haus, um seine Eltern nicht aufzuwecken. However, it can also be placed earlier to negate a different part of the clause for emphasis. Example: Ich bin hier, um nicht über die Vergangenheit, sondern über die Zukunft zu reden.
um...zu considered formal or informal?It is a universally standard construction, making it neutral in register. It is equally appropriate in a PhD dissertation, a legal document, a casual text message, and a conversation between friends. Its function is so fundamental—linking action to purpose—that it transcends formal and informal distinctions. Its correct use is simply a sign of proficient German.
Formation of um...zu
| Part | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Clause
|
The action
|
Ich lerne
|
|
Comma
|
Separator
|
,
|
|
um
|
Purpose marker
|
um
|
|
Details
|
Objects/Adverbs
|
viel Deutsch
|
|
zu
|
Infinitive marker
|
zu
|
|
Verb
|
Infinitive
|
sprechen
|
Separable Verbs
| Verb | Separable Form | Infinitive with zu |
|---|---|---|
|
einkaufen
|
kauft ein
|
um einzukaufen
|
|
anrufen
|
ruft an
|
um anzurufen
|
|
aufstehen
|
steht auf
|
um aufzustehen
|
Meanings
The 'um...zu' construction is used to express the purpose or intention behind an action. It translates to 'in order to' in English.
Purpose
Expressing the goal of an action.
“Ich gehe in {den|m} Supermarkt, um Brot zu kaufen.”
“Er spart Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Main + , + um + ... + zu + Inf
|
Ich gehe, um zu essen.
|
|
Negative
|
Main + , + um + ... + nicht + zu + Inf
|
Ich gehe, um nicht zu hungern.
|
|
Separable
|
Main + , + um + ... + [prefix]zu + [root]
|
Ich rufe an, um einzukaufen.
|
|
Modal
|
Main + , + um + ... + [modal] + zu + Inf
|
Ich lerne, um können zu sprechen.
|
|
Complex
|
Main + , + um + [obj] + zu + Inf
|
Ich lerne, um das Buch zu lesen.
|
Formality Spectrum
Ich studiere intensiv, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. (Education)
Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. (Education)
Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu schaffen. (Education)
Ich pauke, um die Prüfung zu rocken. (Education)
The um...zu Connection
Function
- Zweck Purpose
Requirement
- Gleiches Subjekt Same subject
Examples by Level
Ich lerne, um zu lesen.
I study to read.
Er geht, um zu essen.
He goes to eat.
Wir fahren, um zu helfen.
We drive to help.
Sie rennt, um zu gewinnen.
She runs to win.
Ich brauche Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.
I need money to buy a car.
Er lernt viel, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
He studies a lot to pass the exam.
Wir machen Sport, um gesund zu bleiben.
We do sports to stay healthy.
Sie ruft an, um den Termin zu ändern.
She calls to change the appointment.
Ich habe das Buch gelesen, um die Geschichte besser zu verstehen.
I read the book to understand the story better.
Er hat sich beeilt, um den Zug noch zu erreichen.
He hurried to still catch the train.
Wir haben das Fenster geöffnet, um frische Luft hereinzulassen.
We opened the window to let fresh air in.
Sie arbeitet hart, um ihre Familie zu unterstützen.
She works hard to support her family.
Um die Effizienz zu steigern, haben wir neue Software eingeführt.
To increase efficiency, we introduced new software.
Er hat das Projekt abgebrochen, um weitere Verluste zu vermeiden.
He cancelled the project to avoid further losses.
Sie hat jahrelang trainiert, um an den Olympischen Spielen teilzunehmen.
She trained for years to participate in the Olympics.
Wir müssen jetzt handeln, um die Umwelt zu schützen.
We must act now to protect the environment.
Um den Anforderungen gerecht zu werden, bedarf es einer gründlichen Vorbereitung.
To meet the requirements, thorough preparation is needed.
Er hat seine Strategie angepasst, um den Erwartungen der Investoren entgegenzukommen.
He adjusted his strategy to meet the investors' expectations.
Um das Problem an der Wurzel zu packen, müssen wir die Ursachen analysieren.
To tackle the problem at the root, we must analyze the causes.
Sie hat ihre Meinung geändert, um den Konflikt zu entschärfen.
She changed her opinion to de-escalate the conflict.
Um der Komplexität des Themas vollends gerecht zu werden, bedarf es einer differenzierten Betrachtungsweise.
To fully do justice to the complexity of the topic, a nuanced approach is required.
Er hat sich in die Materie vertieft, um die subtilen Nuancen des Textes zu erfassen.
He delved into the subject matter to grasp the subtle nuances of the text.
Um den drohenden Zerfall des Systems abzuwenden, wurden drastische Maßnahmen ergriffen.
To avert the impending collapse of the system, drastic measures were taken.
Sie hat ihre Rhetorik verfeinert, um das Publikum nachhaltig zu beeindrucken.
She refined her rhetoric to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'um...zu' and 'damit' because both mean 'in order to'.
Learners forget the 'um' part.
Learners use 'weil' for purpose.
Common Mistakes
Ich gehe um zu kaufen Brot.
Ich gehe, um Brot zu kaufen.
Ich gehe um Brot kaufen.
Ich gehe, um Brot zu kaufen.
Ich gehe, um zu kaufen, Brot.
Ich gehe, um Brot zu kaufen.
Ich gehe, um Brot zu kauf.
Ich gehe, um Brot zu kaufen.
Ich lerne, um er Deutsch lernt.
Ich lerne, damit er Deutsch lernt.
Ich rufe an, um einzukaufen.
Ich rufe an, um einzukaufen.
Ich gehe, um zu nicht arbeiten.
Ich gehe, um nicht zu arbeiten.
Ich gehe, um zu haben gegessen.
Ich gehe, um zu essen.
Ich gehe, um zu können arbeiten.
Ich gehe, um arbeiten zu können.
Ich gehe, um zu werden arbeiten.
Ich gehe, um arbeiten zu werden.
Um zu haben das Ziel erreicht, ...
Um das Ziel erreicht zu haben, ...
Er ist gegangen, um zu werden gesehen.
Er ist gegangen, um gesehen zu werden.
Um zu sein glücklich, ...
Um glücklich zu sein, ...
Sentence Patterns
Ich ___ , um ___ zu ___.
Um ___ zu ___, ___ ich ___.
Er hat ___ , um ___ zu ___.
Um ___ zu ___, muss man ___.
Real World Usage
Ich komme später, um noch kurz einzukaufen.
Ich möchte diese Stelle, um meine Fähigkeiten zu erweitern.
Ich brauche ein Ticket, um nach Berlin zu fahren.
Ich rufe an, um eine Pizza zu bestellen.
Ich poste das, um meine Freunde zu informieren.
Um die Hypothese zu prüfen, wurden Daten erhoben.
The Comma Rule
Subject Check
Separable Verbs
Efficiency
Smart Tips
Check if you are expressing purpose. If yes, use 'um...zu'.
Use 'um...zu' to make your sentences shorter and more direct.
Stop! Don't use 'um...zu'. Use 'damit'.
Remember: 'zu' goes inside the verb.
Pronunciation
Intonation
The comma indicates a slight pause. The voice rises slightly before the comma and falls at the end of the infinitive.
Purpose focus
Ich lerne, um ↗ Deutsch zu ↘ lernen.
Emphasizing the purpose.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'um' is the start, 'zu' is the end of the purpose chain.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge. 'um' is the entrance, the infinitive verb is the destination at the other end.
Rhyme
Um am Anfang, zu am Schluss, weil ich das jetzt machen muss.
Story
Hans wants to bake a cake. He goes to the store. He thinks: 'Ich gehe, um Mehl zu kaufen.' He gets the flour. He thinks: 'Ich backe, um den Kuchen zu essen.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using 'um...zu' in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Germans value efficiency in language. 'um...zu' is preferred for its brevity.
Similar usage, but often slightly more formal in written communication.
In Swiss German, this construction is standard in High German contexts.
The construction evolved from the preposition 'um' (around) combined with the infinitive, indicating the goal or 'around' which the action revolves.
Conversation Starters
Warum lernst du Deutsch?
Warum machst du Sport?
Warum hast du dich für diesen Job beworben?
Warum ist es wichtig, Sprachen zu lernen?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich gehe, ___ Brot ___ kaufen.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich gehe um zu kaufen Brot.
Ich will Brot kaufen. Ich gehe zum Laden.
A: Warum lernst du? B: Ich lerne, ___.
um / zu / ich / lernen / Deutsch / gehe
um / zu / das / lesen / Buch
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch gehe, ___ Brot ___ kaufen.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich gehe um zu kaufen Brot.
Ich will Brot kaufen. Ich gehe zum Laden.
A: Warum lernst du? B: Ich lerne, ___.
um / zu / ich / lernen / Deutsch / gehe
um / zu / das / lesen / Buch
Ich gehe zum Arzt...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercisesum / Ich / Geld / spare / zu / ein / kaufen / Auto / .
I study to understand the rules.
Match the pairs:
Er macht das Fenster auf, um die Luft ____ (reinkommen).
Select the correct one:
Ich gehe zur Post, um zu abholen ein Paket.
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
Yes, as long as it's an infinitive verb.
The modal verb goes before the 'zu' infinitive: 'um arbeiten zu können'.
Yes, it separates the main clause from the infinitive clause.
Yes, the main clause can be in any tense.
You must use 'damit'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Sometimes in very formal writing, but it's better to keep it.
Yes: 'um nicht zu...'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
para + infinitive
Spanish doesn't require the verb to be at the end of the clause.
pour + infinitive
French word order is more fixed and doesn't push the infinitive to the end.
in order to + infinitive
English word order is SVO and doesn't use a comma or end-position for the verb.
~tame ni
Japanese is SOV and the purpose marker comes after the verb.
li- + verb
Arabic is VSO and the structure is completely different.
wèile + verb
Chinese has no verb conjugation and the structure is very different.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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