B1 Infinitive Constructions 16 min read Easy

Doing things without... (ohne...zu)

Describe a missing action using ohne...zu + Infinitive, ensuring the subject remains the same in both clauses.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'ohne...zu' to express that you do one action without performing another, keeping the infinitive at the very end.

  • The subject of both clauses must be the same: 'Er geht, ohne zu essen' (He leaves without eating).
  • The 'zu' + infinitive always goes to the end of the clause: 'Sie lernt, ohne Musik zu hören'.
  • If the verb is separable, 'zu' goes inside: 'Er geht, ohne anzurufen' (He leaves without calling).
Main Clause + , + ohne + [zu + Verb-Infinitive] + .

Overview

In German, expressing the idea of performing an action without simultaneously performing another related action requires a specific grammatical structure: the ohne...zu infinitive construction. This pattern allows you to concisely state that one event occurs, and another, often expected or logical, event does not. It is an essential tool for B1 learners to articulate nuanced relationships between actions, moving beyond simpler conjunctions like und nicht.

Unlike English, which frequently employs a gerund (e.g., "without asking", "without paying"), German does not possess a direct grammatical equivalent. Instead, it utilizes an infinitive clause (Infinitivsatz) governed by ohne and concluded by zu plus the infinitive of the verb. This linguistic choice reflects German's preference for verb-final structures in subordinate clauses and its systematic use of zu with infinitives in various contexts, signaling a dependent, non-finite verbal action.

The core principle underlying ohne...zu is the identity of the subject. This construction is exclusively used when the subject of the main clause is the same as the implied subject of the infinitive clause. That is, the same person or thing performs the action described in the main clause and does not perform the action described in the ohne...zu clause.

If the subjects differ, a different construction, typically an ohne dass clause, becomes necessary. Mastering ohne...zu significantly enhances your ability to express complex ideas with greater precision and fluency in German.

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, the ohne...zu construction functions as an adverbial clause of manner or circumstance (Adverbialsatz der Art und Weise oder des Umstands). It provides additional information about how the action in the main clause is carried out, specifically by negating an accompanying or omitted action. This allows for a more compact and elegant sentence structure compared to separating the ideas into two distinct sentences or using clunky alternatives.
The defining characteristic of ohne...zu is the "same subject rule" (gleiches Subjekt). This rule dictates that the implicit subject of the infinitive clause (the one doing nothing) must be identical to the explicit subject of the main clause (the one doing something). For example, in Er geht, ohne sich zu verabschieden (He leaves without saying goodbye), er is the subject of geht and also the one who doesn't sich verabschieden.
This grammatical constraint ensures clarity and prevents ambiguity regarding who is performing (or not performing) which action.
Consider the linguistic efficiency: instead of Er geht. Er verabschiedet sich nicht. (He leaves. He doesn't say goodbye.), the ohne...zu construction condenses these two statements into a single, flowing thought.
This streamlining of information is a hallmark of sophisticated German sentence structure, demonstrating how German often prefers to embed complex relationships within a single sentence rather than using multiple simple sentences. It signals a non-finite action that is conceptually linked to the main action but negatively framed.
Furthermore, the ohne...zu clause is always separated from the main clause by a comma. This comma is not optional; it marks the boundary of the dependent infinitive clause. The zu particle, which always precedes the infinitive verb at the end of the clause, acts as an infinitive marker, similar to "to" in English infinitives (e.g., "to run").
Its fixed position at the end of the clause, sometimes split from separable prefixes, reinforces the verb-final nature of German subordinate clauses, even those lacking a finite verb. This pattern makes ohne...zu a distinct and identifiable grammatical unit.
Example:
  • Sie trank den(m) Kaffee, ohne Zucker zu nehmen. (She drank the coffee without taking sugar.) – Here, sie is the subject of both trank and the implied subject of nicht Zucker nehmen.
  • Ich kaufte ein Auto, ohne eine Probefahrt zu machen. (I bought a car without taking a test drive.) – Ich is the subject for both actions/non-actions.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing a sentence with ohne...zu involves a precise sequence of elements. Understanding this pattern is crucial for correctly integrating this structure into your German sentences. The basic formula is:
2
Main Clause + , + ohne + (complement/object/adverbial) + zu + Infinitive Verb
3
Let's break down each component:
4
Main Clause (Hauptsatz):
5
This is the independent part of your sentence, containing a finite verb (conjugated verb) and expressing the main action or statement. It comes first.
6
Example: Er reiste nach Berlin. (He traveled to Berlin.)
7
Comma (Komma):
8
A comma always precedes the ohne...zu clause. This is a mandatory punctuation rule in German for all dependent clauses, including infinitive clauses.
9
ohne (Präposition):
10
This literally translates to "without" and introduces the infinitive clause. It signals the negative circumstance.
11
Complement/Object/Adverbial (Ergänzung/Objekt/Adverbial):
12
This slot is for any direct objects, indirect objects, reflexive pronouns, adverbs, or prepositional phrases that belong to the infinitive verb. These elements are placed before zu and the infinitive.
13
Example: ...ein Wort Deutsch... (a word of German)
14
Example: ...sich... (reflexive pronoun for verabschieden)
15
Example: ...dabei... (an adverb)
16
zu (Infinitivpartikel):
17
This is the infinitive marker, equivalent to "to" in English infinitives. It must precede the infinitive verb. In the case of separable verbs (trennbare Verben), zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem.
18
Infinitive Verb (Infinitiv):
19
The base form of the verb (unconjugated) that describes the action that was not performed. It always stands at the very end of the ohne...zu clause.
20
Table: Placement of zu with different verb types
21
| Verb Type | Infinitive | ohne...zu Structure | Example |
22
| :---------------- | :------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- |
23
| Simple Verb | lesen (to read) | ohne ... zu + lesen | ohne das Buch zu lesen |
24
| Separable Verb| einkaufen (to shop) | ohne ... ein + zu + kaufen | ohne noch ein Brot einzukaufen |
25
| Non-separable | besuchen (to visit)| ohne ... zu + besuchen | ohne den(m) Freund zu besuchen |
26
| Reflexive Verb| sich beeilen (to hurry)| ohne sich ... zu + beeilen | ohne sich zu beeilen |
27
Let's put it together with an example combining all parts:
28
Er reiste nach Berlin, ohne ein Wort Deutsch zu können. (He traveled to Berlin without knowing a word of German.)
29
Main Clause: Er reiste nach Berlin
30
Comma: ,
31
ohne: ohne
32
Complement/Object: ein Wort Deutsch (direct object of können)
33
zu: zu
34
Infinitive Verb: können
35
Consider also separable verbs, which are a common source of error:
36
Sie ging weg, ohne sich zu verabschieden. (She left without saying goodbye.)
37
Here, sich verabschieden is a reflexive verb. The reflexive pronoun sich comes between ohne and zu verabschieden.
38
Er sah fern, ohne die Nachrichten anzusehen. (He watched TV without watching the news.)
39
anzusehen is a separable verb (an + sehen). The zu is inserted between an and sehen.
40
This precise formation pattern ensures that the meaning is clear and the grammatical structure is correct. Always double-check the placement of zu and the comma, as these are critical elements.

When To Use It

The ohne...zu construction is employed to describe an action or state (Hauptsatz) that occurs in the absence of another, typically expected, concurrent, or logically related action or state (Infinitivsatz). It highlights an omission, a lack, or a negligence regarding the secondary action. This makes it particularly useful for expressing subtle implications about how the primary action was carried out.
The choice to use ohne...zu adds a layer of precision to your communication, indicating not just what happened, but also what didn't happen alongside it.
Here are the primary scenarios for its application:
  • Expressing an Omission or Lack: When the main action proceeds, but a necessary, customary, or sensible accompanying action is neglected or simply absent. This often implies a criticism, a surprising fact, or an observation about efficiency or negligence.
  • Der Chef unterschrieb den(m) Vertrag, ohne ihn vorher zu lesen. (The boss signed the contract without reading it first.) – This implies a surprising or negligent omission.
  • Wir gingen schlafen, ohne das Licht auszumachen. (We went to sleep without turning off the light.) – This points to a forgotten, expected action.
  • Highlighting Independence or Effortlessness: Sometimes, ohne...zu can emphasize that an action was achieved independently, effortlessly, or without requiring a particular prerequisite.
  • Sie lernte Deutsch, ohne einen Kurs zu besuchen. (She learned German without attending a course.) – This stresses her independence in learning.
  • Er gewann den(m) Wettbewerb, ohne viel zu üben. (He won the competition without practicing much.) – This suggests a natural talent or ease.
  • Describing a Passive State or Lack of Awareness: It can also describe a state where someone is not aware of something or is unaffected by an external factor.
  • Ich stand auf, ohne den(m) Wecker zu hören. (I got up without hearing the alarm clock.) – Here, the alarm was present but unheard.
  • Sie schlief ein, ohne es(n) zu merken. (She fell asleep without noticing it.) – This describes an unconscious act.
This construction provides a compact way to convey what didn't contribute to or accompany the main event. It allows you to package more information into a single clause, enhancing both the flow and the sophistication of your German sentences. It is crucial for B1 learners to recognize these contexts, as ohne...zu often carries implicit meaning about the nature of the action.

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B1 level frequently encounter specific challenges when using the ohne...zu construction. Understanding these common pitfalls and their underlying reasons will significantly improve your accuracy.
  • The "Different Subject" Trap (Using ohne...zu when subjects differ): This is arguably the most pervasive error. Remember the same subject rule: ohne...zu is only permissible when the implied subject of the infinitive clause is identical to the subject of the main clause. If the subjects are different, you must use ohne dass.
  • Incorrect: Ich ging, ohne du zu wissen. (I went without you knowing.) – Here, ich is the subject of ging, but du is the subject of wissen.
  • Correct: Ich ging, ohne dass du es wusstest. (I went without you knowing it.) – ohne dass introduces a full subordinate clause with its own subject and conjugated verb.
  • Why it's wrong: The zu-infinitive cannot carry its own explicit subject. Its subject is inherently understood to be the subject of the main clause.
  • Incorrect Placement of zu (especially with separable verbs): While zu generally precedes the infinitive, separable verbs require zu to be inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. Misplacing zu is a very common and noticeable error.
  • Incorrect: Er räumte sein Zimmer auf, ohne zu aufräumen.
  • Correct: Er räumte sein Zimmer auf, ohne aufzuräumen. (He tidied his room without tidying up.) – aufräumen is auf + räumen, so zu goes in the middle.
  • Why it's wrong: This violates the specific morphological rule for separable verbs in infinitive constructions. The prefix maintains its close connection to the verb stem, with zu acting as an internal linker.
  • Missing or Incorrect Comma Usage: In German, dependent clauses are always separated from the main clause by a comma. Forgetting this comma makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and can hinder readability.
  • Incorrect: Sie aß das Eis ohne zu bezahlen.
  • Correct: Sie aß das Eis, ohne zu bezahlen. (She ate the ice cream without paying.)
  • Why it's wrong: Commas are not stylistic choices in German; they are syntactical requirements that delineate clause boundaries. Their absence indicates an ungrammatical structure.
  • Confusion with statt...zu: While both are infinitive constructions, ohne...zu and statt...zu convey distinct meanings. ohne...zu signifies the absence of an action, whereas statt...zu signifies a replacement or alternative action. Conflating the two can lead to logical inconsistencies.
  • Ich lese, ohne die Brille zu tragen. (I read without wearing my glasses.) – Absence of glasses.
  • Ich lese, statt fern(m)zusehen. (I read instead of watching TV.) – Reading replaces TV watching.
  • Why it's wrong: The prepositions ohne and statt introduce different conceptual relationships to the infinitive clause, one being negation and the other being substitution.
  • Putting a Subject or Finite Verb in the ohne...zu clause: The zu-infinitive clause is not a full clause and therefore cannot contain a subject (as it's implied from the main clause) or a conjugated (finite) verb. If you find yourself wanting to include either, you're likely needing ohne dass.
  • Incorrect: Er arbeitet, ohne er ist motiviert.
  • Correct: Er arbeitet, ohne motiviert zu sein. (He works without being motivated.)
  • Why it's wrong: The zu-infinitive construction inherently uses the infinitive form, which is non-finite. Its subject is implicitly shared with the main clause.
By consciously reviewing these common errors, you can actively avoid them and build a solid foundation for correctly using ohne...zu in your German communication.

Real Conversations

The ohne...zu construction is highly versatile and appears frequently in both spoken and written German, spanning informal and semi-formal contexts. It allows native speakers to convey information concisely and express nuanced relationships between actions. You will encounter it in everyday conversation, social media, casual emails, and even slightly more formal reports, as it is a standard grammatical tool.

- Casual Conversation & Social Media: Here, ohne...zu is often used to express a lack of effort, a surprising omission, or an independent action. It adds a natural flow to describing circumstances.

- Text Message: Hab die Wohnung geputzt, ohne dich zu fragen. (Cleaned the apartment without asking you.) – Expressing a helpful, perhaps unrequested, action.

- Social Media Caption: Reise durch Asien, ohne einen festen Plan zu haben. (Traveling through Asia without having a fixed plan.) – Highlighting spontaneity.

- Spoken German: Ich hab das Video gelöscht, ohne es mir vorher anzusehen. (I deleted the video without watching it beforehand.) – Confessing a hasty action.

- Work & Academic Contexts (Semi-formal): While avoiding overly informal language, ohne...zu provides an efficient way to describe processes, report on tasks, or explain conditions where certain steps were (or were not) followed.

- Email: Wir haben die Präsentation fertiggestellt, ohne alle(f) Daten zu erhalten. (We finalized the presentation without receiving all the data.) – Explaining a constrained situation.

- Meeting Discussion: Manche Kollegen arbeiten Überstunden, ohne dafür bezahlt zu werden. (Some colleagues work overtime without getting paid for it.) – Discussing an unfair condition.

- Report: Die Studie wurde veröffentlicht, ohne die Ergebnisse kritisch zu prüfen. (The study was published without critically reviewing the results.) – Pointing out a procedural flaw.

- Narrative & Descriptive Usage: In storytelling or detailed descriptions, ohne...zu helps create vivid imagery by highlighting what was missing from a scene or action.

- Er betrat den(m) Raum, ohne ein Geräusch zu machen. (He entered the room without making a sound.) – Emphasizing stealth.

- Sie saßen da, ohne ein Wort zu sagen. (They sat there without saying a word.) – Conveying tension or contemplation.

This usage demonstrates how ohne...zu allows speakers and writers to add layers of meaning and circumstance to their statements efficiently. It’s a natural part of the German linguistic toolkit, enabling precise communication about actions and their accompanying (or absent) conditions.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the ohne...zu construction, addressing common uncertainties learners face.
  • Can I use ohne...zu if the subjects of the main clause and the infinitive clause are different?
  • No. This is the most crucial rule. If the subjects are different, you must use an ohne dass clause. Ohne dass introduces a full subordinate clause with its own subject and a conjugated verb. For example, Ich kann nicht einschlafen, ohne dass das Licht aus ist. (I can't fall asleep without the light being off.) Here, ich is the subject of einschlafen, but das Licht is the subject of aus ist.
  • Does the zu in ohne...zu change based on tense or mood?
  • No, zu itself does not change. The verb following zu is always in its infinitive form (base form), regardless of the tense of the main clause. The ohne...zu clause is a non-finite construction. For example: Gestern ging ich, ohne mich zu verabschieden. (Yesterday I left without saying goodbye.) vs. Morgen werde ich gehen, ohne mich zu verabschieden. (Tomorrow I will leave without saying goodbye.) The zu verabschieden part remains constant.
  • Can the ohne...zu clause come at the beginning of the sentence?
  • Yes, absolutely. When the ohne...zu clause precedes the main clause, it occupies Position 1 in the German sentence structure. This means the finite verb of the main clause must immediately follow the comma.
  • Example: Ohne zu fragen, hat er mein Handy genommen. (Without asking, he took my phone.)
  • Example: Ohne lange nachzudenken, traf sie eine Entscheidung. (Without thinking long, she made a decision.)
  • Is ohne...zu considered formal or informal?
  • It's generally neutral and widely used in both spoken and written German across various registers. It's an efficient and grammatically correct way to express the absence of an action, making it suitable for everything from casual conversation to more formal writing. It adds precision without being overly stiff or academic.
  • What if the verb in the ohne...zu clause is a modal verb like können or müssen?
  • While less common, it is grammatically possible. When a modal verb is used in a zu-infinitive construction, it typically appears with a second infinitive (the action verb it modifies). The structure is ohne ... + zu + [main verb infinitive] + [modal verb infinitive].
  • Example: Er spricht, ohne etwas sagen zu können. (He speaks without being able to say anything.) – This implies a lack of ability to articulate.
  • Example: Sie musste arbeiten, ohne sich konzentrieren zu können. (She had to work without being able to concentrate.)
  • Do I need a preposition after ohne if the verb normally requires one?
  • Yes. If the infinitive verb in the ohne...zu clause normally pairs with a specific preposition, that preposition must be included. The preposition and its object will come before zu.
  • Example: Er ging, ohne an die Zeit zu denken. (He left without thinking about the time.) – denken requires an.
  • Example: Sie sprach über das Problem, ohne sich über die Folgen bewusst zu sein. (She spoke about the problem without being aware of the consequences.) – bewusst sein often implies sich bewusst sein über or sich einer Sache bewusst sein.
  • Can I use ohne...zu with verbs like haben (to have) or sein (to be)?
  • Absolutely. This is common for expressing a state of being or possession that is absent during the main action.
  • Example with sein: Er ist reich, ohne glücklich zu sein. (He is rich without being happy.)
  • Example with haben: Sie reist, ohne viel Geld zu haben. (She travels without having much money.)
These considerations help clarify the nuances of ohne...zu, ensuring you can use this intermediate-level construction confidently and accurately in a wide range of German contexts.

Formation of 'ohne...zu' clauses

Main Clause Connector Object/Adverb Infinitive + zu
Er geht
ohne
-
zu essen
Sie arbeitet
ohne
Musik
zu hören
Er geht
ohne
-
anzurufen
Wir fahren
ohne
das {das|n} Auto
zu stoppen
Ich schreibe
ohne
einen {der|m} Fehler
zu machen

Meanings

This construction is used to describe an action that occurs while another potential action is omitted.

1

Concurrent omission

Performing an action while simultaneously not performing another.

“Er ging, ohne zu grüßen.”

“Sie arbeitet, ohne eine Pause zu machen.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Main + ohne + zu + Inf
Er geht, ohne zu essen.
Separable
Main + ohne + Prefix + zu + Stem
Er geht, ohne anzurufen.
With Object
Main + ohne + Object + zu + Inf
Er geht, ohne das {das|n} Buch zu lesen.
Complex
Main + ohne + Adv + Obj + zu + Inf
Er geht, ohne heute das {das|n} Buch zu lesen.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Er verließ die {die|f} Veranstaltung, ohne sich zu verabschieden.

Er verließ die {die|f} Veranstaltung, ohne sich zu verabschieden. (Leaving a party)

Neutral
Er ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden.

Er ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden. (Leaving a party)

Informal
Er ist einfach abgehauen, ohne Tschüss zu sagen.

Er ist einfach abgehauen, ohne Tschüss zu sagen. (Leaving a party)

Slang
Er ist ohne ein Wort verduftet.

Er ist ohne ein Wort verduftet. (Leaving a party)

The 'ohne...zu' Logic

ohne...zu

Condition

  • Subject same Must be identical

Structure

  • Comma Before ohne
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Ich gehe, ohne zu essen.

I leave without eating.

1

Er arbeitet, ohne Musik zu hören.

He works without listening to music.

1

Sie hat die Prüfung bestanden, ohne viel zu lernen.

She passed the exam without studying much.

1

Das Unternehmen konnte wachsen, ohne neue {die|f} Kredite aufzunehmen.

The company was able to grow without taking out new loans.

1

Er verließ den Raum, ohne ein einziges Wort zu sagen.

He left the room without saying a single word.

1

Die Entscheidung wurde getroffen, ohne die {die|f} Konsequenzen zu bedenken.

The decision was made without considering the consequences.

Easily Confused

Doing things without... (ohne...zu) vs ohne...zu vs. anstatt...zu

Both use 'zu' and infinitive, but 'ohne' means 'without' and 'anstatt' means 'instead of'.

Doing things without... (ohne...zu) vs ohne...zu vs. ohne dass

Both mean 'without', but 'ohne...zu' requires the same subject, while 'ohne dass' allows different subjects.

Doing things without... (ohne...zu) vs zu + infinitive vs. ohne...zu

Learners forget the 'ohne' part.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich gehe ohne essen.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne zu essen.

Missing 'zu'.
✗

Ohne zu ich essen gehe.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne zu essen.

Wrong word order.
✗

Ich gehe, ohne dass zu essen.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne zu essen.

Mixing 'dass' and 'zu'.
✗

Ich gehe, ohne essen zu.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne zu essen.

Wrong 'zu' placement.
✗

Er geht, ohne zu anrufen.

✓

Er geht, ohne anzurufen.

Separable verb error.
✗

Ich gehe, ohne dass er mich sieht.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne dass er mich sieht.

Wait, this is actually correct, but if the subject is the same, use 'ohne...zu'.
✗

Ich gehe, ohne zu habe gegessen.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne gegessen zu haben.

Perfect infinitive structure.
✗

Ich gehe, ohne das {das|n} Buch zu haben gelesen.

✓

Ich gehe, ohne das {das|n} Buch gelesen zu haben.

Perfect infinitive word order.
✗

Er geht, ohne mich zu sehen.

✓

Er geht, ohne mich zu sehen.

Wait, this is correct. Mistake: Er geht, ohne dass ich ihn sehe (Correct).
✗

Ohne zu fragen, er ging.

✓

Er ging, ohne zu fragen.

Verb position in main clause.
✗

Ohne das {das|n} Risiko zu bedenken, er handelte.

✓

Er handelte, ohne das {das|n} Risiko zu bedenken.

Main clause verb position.

Sentence Patterns

Ich ___ , ohne ___ zu ___ .

Er ___ , ohne ___ anzurufen.

Wir haben ___ , ohne ___ zu ___ .

Sie ___ , ohne ___ zu ___ .

Real World Usage

Social Media common

Ich poste Fotos, ohne sie zu bearbeiten.

Texting very common

Komm vorbei, ohne anzurufen!

Job Interview common

Ich kann unter Druck arbeiten, ohne die {die|f} Qualität zu verlieren.

Travel occasional

Ich reise, ohne viel Gepäck mitzunehmen.

Food Delivery common

Ich bestelle Pizza, ohne Trinkgeld zu geben.

Academic Writing common

Die Ergebnisse wurden analysiert, ohne die {die|f} Daten zu verfälschen.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Check the subject

Always ensure the subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause is the same.
⚠️

Separable verbs

Don't forget to put 'zu' inside the separable verb prefix.
🎯

Comma usage

The comma is mandatory before 'ohne' in this construction.
💬

Formal vs Informal

This construction is equally at home in a casual text or a formal report.

Smart Tips

Try to combine them with 'ohne...zu' to sound more fluent.

Er geht. Er isst nicht. → Er geht, ohne zu essen.

Always pause and think: 'Is this separable?' before adding 'zu'.

Er geht, ohne zu anrufen. → Er geht, ohne anzurufen.

Use 'ohne...zu' to keep sentences professional and concise.

Wir haben das {das|n} Projekt beendet. Wir haben das {das|n} Budget nicht überschritten. → Wir haben das {das|n} Projekt beendet, ohne das {das|n} Budget zu überschreiten.

If the subject is the same, always prefer the infinitive clause.

Ich gehe, ohne dass ich etwas sage. → Ich gehe, ohne etwas zu sagen.

Pronunciation

IPA: /oːnə/

Comma pause

Pause slightly before 'ohne' to separate the clauses.

Falling

Er geht, ↘ohne zu essen.

Finality and completion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Ohne is the gate, zu is the key, the verb is the prize at the end of the sea.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking out of a room (Main clause) leaving a suitcase (the 'ohne' clause) behind. The suitcase has a tag that says 'zu' + verb.

Rhyme

Ohne zu, the verb is true, at the end it stays for you.

Story

Hans wanted to bake a cake. He went to the kitchen. He did it without turning on the light. He did it without making a sound. He did it without waking his mom.

Word Web

ohnezuinfinitivecommasubjectomission

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you do every day without doing something else.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in formal business settings to show efficiency.

Similar usage, but often more polite phrasing.

Often uses 'ohne...zu' in formal writing, but spoken language might prefer 'ohne dass'.

The construction stems from the Middle High German use of 'ohne' as a preposition followed by an infinitive noun.

Conversation Starters

“

Was machst du oft, ohne darüber nachzudenken?

“

Kann man erfolgreich sein, ohne hart zu arbeiten?

“

Hast du schon mal etwas gekauft, ohne den Preis zu prüfen?

“

Wie kann man reisen, ohne viel Geld auszugeben?

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Tag, an dem du alles ohne Hilfe gemacht hast.
Was sind Dinge, die man im Leben tun sollte, ohne Angst zu haben?
Schreibe über eine Entscheidung, die du getroffen hast, ohne die {die|f} Konsequenzen zu bedenken.
Wie kann man gesund leben, ohne auf alles zu verzichten?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct form.

Er geht, ohne ___ (essen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu essen
Standard infinitive construction.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Sie arbeitet, ohne zu anrufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie arbeitet, ohne anzurufen.
Separable verb rule.
Combine the sentences. Sentence Transformation

Er geht. Er sagt nichts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er geht, ohne etwas zu sagen.
Word order with object.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Ich gehe, ___ zu fragen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne
Contextual meaning.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Hast du das {das|n} Licht ausgemacht? B: Nein, ich bin gegangen, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne es auszumachen
Object placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

ohne / zu / er / gehen / fragen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er geht, ohne zu fragen.
Correct structure.
Sort the verbs. Grammar Sorting

Which are separable?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: anrufen, ausmachen
Separable verbs need 'zu' in the middle.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He leaves without eating
Meaning of 'ohne'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct form.

Er geht, ohne ___ (essen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu essen
Standard infinitive construction.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Sie arbeitet, ohne zu anrufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie arbeitet, ohne anzurufen.
Separable verb rule.
Combine the sentences. Sentence Transformation

Er geht. Er sagt nichts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er geht, ohne etwas zu sagen.
Word order with object.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Ich gehe, ___ zu fragen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne
Contextual meaning.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Hast du das {das|n} Licht ausgemacht? B: Nein, ich bin gegangen, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne es auszumachen
Object placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

ohne / zu / er / gehen / fragen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er geht, ohne zu fragen.
Correct structure.
Sort the verbs. Grammar Sorting

Which are separable?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: anrufen, ausmachen
Separable verbs need 'zu' in the middle.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Er geht, ohne zu essen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He leaves without eating
Meaning of 'ohne'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

ohne / Er / ein Wort / geht / zu sagen / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Translate into German using 'ohne...zu'. Translation

She works without taking a break.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie arbeitet, ohne eine Pause zu machen.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Man kann kein Deutsch lernen, ohne Vokabeln ______ (lernen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu lernen
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the clauses:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er geht weg, ohne Tschüss zu sagen. | Ich surfe im Internet, ohne etwas zu kaufen. | Sie sieht fern, ohne einzuschlafen.
Identify the correct structure for a separable verb. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'without calling' (anrufen)?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne anzurufen
Fix the comma error. Error Correction

Ich lerne Deutsch ohne zu schlafen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne Deutsch, ohne zu schlafen.
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Ich trinke Kaffee, ohne Zucker ______ (benutzen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu benutzen
Translate 'without looking'. Translation

Er tippt die Nachricht, ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ohne zu gucken
Which one is a 'different subject' scenario (not allowed for ohne...zu)? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence that requires 'ohne dass' instead of 'ohne...zu':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He leaves without me seeing him.
Reorder the sentence parts. Sentence Reorder

den Text / ohne / zu lesen / Er / hat unterschrieben / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, you must use a 'dass' clause instead.

It goes between 'ohne' and the 'zu' + infinitive.

Yes, it separates the main clause from the infinitive clause.

Place 'zu' between the prefix and the verb stem.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

Yes, but you need the perfect infinitive (gegessen zu haben).

It is more concise and flows better.

They all go before the 'zu' + infinitive.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

sin + infinitive

Spanish doesn't use a 'zu' equivalent.

French high

sans + infinitive

French doesn't have the 'zu' particle.

Japanese moderate

〜ずに (zu ni)

Japanese uses a suffix on the verb rather than a separate preposition.

Arabic partial

بدون أن (bidun an)

Arabic requires a full conjugated verb clause.

Chinese low

不...就 (bu...jiu)

Chinese lacks the infinitive structure entirely.

English moderate

without + gerund

English uses a gerund, while German uses an infinitive.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
Next
Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)

Related Videos

Kung Fu: Caine Defends Himself Using Mainly Avoidance 02:01

Kung Fu: Caine Defends Himself Using Mainly Avoidance
Die GOLDENE KAMERA für Greta Thunberg 30.03.2019 12:50

Die GOLDENE KAMERA für Greta Thunberg 30.03.2019
Best of Türkisch für Anfänger - Part 5 04:49

Best of Türkisch für Anfänger - Part 5

Related Grammar Rules

A2

German Noun Descriptions: 'Time to...' (zu + Infinitiv)

Ever noticed how `{die|f} Lust` (desire) or `{die|f} Zeit` (time) always seem to need a bit more detail? You don't just...
C1

Doing things 'without' doing others (ohne... zu)

Overview `Ohne... zu` is a critical German infinitive construction used to express that an action in the main clause occ...
B2

Saving the Spot: Anticipatory 'es' with Infinitive Clauses

Overview German sentence structure often requires specific elements to occupy particular positions. When a long phrase,...
B1

Instead of doing something (statt...zu)

Overview When describing an action that replaces another, German frequently employs the **infinitive construction** `st...
B2

German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)

Overview Mastering the German `Infinitiv mit zu` (infinitive with `zu`) is a significant step toward achieving B2 profic...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!