German Infinitive with 'zu' (Infinitiv mit zu)
zu streamlines sentences by connecting actions without repeating the subject, placing the verb at the end.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'zu' + infinitive to connect two verbs or express purpose, placing 'zu' directly before the infinitive at the end of the clause.
- Place 'zu' directly before the infinitive verb: 'Ich versuche zu schlafen.'
- The infinitive clause is usually separated by a comma: 'Er hat keine Lust, zu arbeiten.'
- If the verb has a separable prefix, 'zu' goes between the prefix and the stem: 'anzurufen'.
Overview
Mastering the German Infinitiv mit zu (infinitive with zu) is a significant step toward achieving B2 proficiency. This grammatical construction allows you to articulate complex thoughts and intentions with greater elegance and precision, moving beyond simple sentence structures. It serves a crucial function in German: connecting two ideas or actions, particularly when the subject performing both actions is the same, thereby avoiding repetitive phrasing.
You will find this pattern indispensable for expressing purposes, intentions, evaluations, and obligations concisely.
While conceptually similar to the English “to + infinitive” (e.g., “I hope to learn”), the German Infinitiv mit zu follows distinct structural rules, most notably the mandatory comma and the specific placement of zu at the end of the subordinate clause. Understanding this structure is key to sounding natural and fluent, rather than producing overly simplistic or grammatically awkward sentences.
How This Grammar Works
Infinitiv mit zu construction functions as a subordinate clause that complements the main clause. The defining characteristic for its usage is when the subject of the main clause is identical to the implied subject of the infinitive action. This prevents redundancy, as the subject does not need to be explicitly stated again in the subordinate clause.Ich hoffe, dass ich die Prüfung bestehe. (I hope that I pass the exam.), you can say Ich hoffe, die Prüfung zu bestehen. (I hope to pass the exam.). The Infinitiv mit zu clause die Prüfung zu bestehen clarifies what the subject Ich hopes for, functioning as an object or complement to the main verb hoffe. This construction streamlines sentence flow and is a hallmark of more advanced German usage.zu and the infinitive verb, typically appears at the very end of the sentence, adhering to German subordinate clause word order principles. The presence of zu transforms a simple infinitive into a fully functional subordinate element, providing additional information about the main clause’s action or state.- Example 1 (Intention):
Sie plant, nächste Woche anzureisen.(She plans to arrive next week.) The infinitive clausenächste Woche anzureisenstates whatsieplans. - Example 2 (Evaluation):
Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.(It is important to be punctual.) Here,pünktlich zu seindefines what is important. - Example 3 (Consequence):
Er ist zu müde, um Sport zu treiben.(He is too tired to do sports.) The infinitive clause explains the consequence of his tiredness.
Formation Pattern
Infinitiv mit zu clause follows a consistent and predictable structure. It is typically introduced by a comma, separating it from the main clause, and concludes with the zu particle immediately preceding the infinitive verb.
Main Clause , (Object/Complement) zu Infinitive Verb.
zu or one of its composite forms (um ... zu, ohne ... zu, anstatt ... zu). This comma visually and syntactically separates the main clause from the dependent infinitive construction, preventing ambiguity and ensuring grammatical correctness. Its omission is a common error among learners.
zu Placement with Regular Verbs:
zu is placed directly before the infinitive verb, and both are positioned at the very end of the subordinate clause. Any objects, adverbs, or other complements related to the infinitive action precede the zu + Infinitive block.
Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. (I try to learn German.)
Sie hat vergessen, ihre Hausaufgaben zu machen. (She forgot to do her homework.)
zu Placement with Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben):
zu particle is inserted between the separable prefix and the verb stem. This forms a single, hyphenated unit in written German, although the hyphen is often omitted in more casual contexts or by some style guides, the zu still sounds like it's part of the new word, e.g., anzurufen rather than an zu rufen.
zu Form (Hyphenated for clarity) | Example Sentence |
anrufen | an- | an-zu-rufen (anzurufen) | Er hat vergessen, anzurufen. |
aufstehen | auf- | auf-zu-stehen (aufzustehen) | Ich plane, morgen früh aufzustehen. |
mitmachen | mit- | mit-zu-machen (mitzmachen) | Hast du Lust, mitzmachen? |
einkaufen | ein- | ein-zu-kaufen (einzukaufen) | Wir müssen noch etwas einzukaufen. |
zu Placement with Reflexive Pronouns and Objects:
zu + Infinitive construction.
Ich habe vor, mich zu entspannen. (I intend to relax (myself).)
Es ist wichtig, den Text genau zu lesen. (It is important to read the text carefully.)
zu to express a past action within the infinitive clause. This typically occurs with verbs like scheinen (to seem) or glauben (to believe).
zu + Partizip II + haben/sein
Er scheint die Antwort gewusst zu haben. (He seems to have known the answer.)
Sie behauptet, nie dort gewesen zu sein. (She claims to have never been there.)
When To Use It
Infinitiv mit zu is crucial. It arises in several predictable contexts, primarily after specific verbs, nouns, adjectives, and in conjunction with certain fixed expressions. In all these cases, the implicit subject of the infinitive action is the same as the explicit subject of the main clause.Infinitiv mit zu construction.- Intention/Planning:
planen(to plan),vorhaben(to intend),beabsichtigen(to intend),entscheiden(to decide). Wir planen, das Projekt bald abzuschließen.(We plan to finish the project soon.)- Attempt/Effort:
versuchen(to try),wagen(to dare). Ich versuche, jeden Tag Sport zu treiben.(I try to do sports every day.)- Beginning/Ending:
anfangen(to begin),beginnen(to begin),aufhören(to stop). Sie hat angefangen, Klavier zu spielen.(She started to play piano.)- Mental States/Obligation:
vergessen(to forget),versprechen(to promise),bedauern(to regret),zögern(to hesitate),glauben(to believe - when referring to an action). Ich habe vergessen, dich anzurufen.(I forgot to call you.)Er verspricht, nie wieder zu lügen.(He promises to never lie again.)
haben or sein):Infinitiv mit zu clause to specify the nature of that noun.die Lust haben(to feel like),die Zeit haben(to have time),die Möglichkeit haben(to have the possibility),die Gelegenheit haben(to have the opportunity),die Absicht haben(to have the intention),der Wunsch(the wish),die Entscheidung(the decision).Hast du Lust, heute Abend auszugehen?(Do you feel like going out tonight?)Ich habe leider keine Zeit, dir zu helfen.(Unfortunately, I don't have time to help you.)Es war eine gute Entscheidung, dort studieren zu gehen.(It was a good decision to go study there.)
es ist):Infinitiv mit zu clause can elaborate on what possesses that quality. This is commonly seen in impersonal constructions starting with es ist.es ist wichtig(it is important),es ist schwer(it is difficult),es ist leicht(it is easy),es ist schön(it is nice),es ist möglich(it is possible),es ist verboten(it is forbidden),es ist ratsam(it is advisable).Es ist wichtig, regelmäßig Deutsch zu sprechen.(It is important to speak German regularly.)Es ist schwer, die Wahrheit zu akzeptieren.(It is difficult to accept the truth.)Es ist nicht leicht, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.(It is not easy to learn a new language.)
Infinitiv mit zu clause to express specific relationships between actions.um ... zu(in order to, to): Expresses purpose or aim.Sie studiert fleißig, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.(She studies diligently in order to pass the exam.)ohne ... zu(without ...ing): Expresses an action that did not happen simultaneously or a lack of accompanying action.Er ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden.(He left without saying goodbye.)anstatt ... zu(instead of ...ing): Expresses an alternative action that was not taken.Sie liest ein Buch, anstatt fernzusehen.(She reads a book instead of watching TV.)brauchen ... zu(to need to do something): This construction is primarily used in negative sentences or withnur(only).Du brauchst das nicht zu tun.(You don't need to do that.)Man braucht nur zu fragen.(One only needs to ask.)haben ... zu(to have to do something): Often expresses obligation or necessity, similar tomüssenbut with a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.Ich habe noch viel zu erledigen.(I still have a lot to do.)Das Problem ist dringend zu lösen.(The problem needs to be solved urgently.)
dass-Clauses:Infinitiv mit zu and a dass-clause hinges primarily on the subject. If the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same, Infinitiv mit zu is generally preferred for conciseness. If the subjects are different, a dass-clause is mandatory.Infinitiv mit zu | Same | Ich hoffe, die Prüfung zu bestehen. |dass-clause | Different (or same, but less common) | Ich hoffe, dass du die Prüfung bestehst. |Common Mistakes
Infinitiv mit zu construction involves several pitfalls commonly encountered by learners. Awareness of these specific errors will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy.Infinitiv mit zu clause is mandatory (unless the infinitive clause is extremely short and unambiguous, which is rare and generally avoided in formal writing). Its absence can lead to structural ambiguity or simply mark your writing as incorrect.- Incorrect:
Er versucht das Problem zu lösen. - Correct:
Er versucht, das Problem zu lösen.
zu with Modal Verbs:können, müssen, sollen, wollen, dürfen, mögen) and the related verb lassen (to let/have done) never take zu with a dependent infinitive. This is a fundamental rule for these specific verbs.- Incorrect:
Ich kann zu schwimmen. - Correct:
Ich kann schwimmen.(I can swim.) - Incorrect:
Sie will zu gehen. - Correct:
Sie will gehen.(She wants to go.)
zu with Verbs of Perception and Motion:sehen, hören, fühlen) and verbs of motion (gehen, fahren, bleiben) form infinitives without zu.- Incorrect:
Ich sehe ihn zu kommen. - Correct:
Ich sehe ihn kommen.(I see him coming.) - Incorrect:
Wir bleiben zu Hause zu bleiben. - Correct:
Wir bleiben zu Hause bleiben.(We stay home.)
zu Placement with Separable Verbs:zu before the entire separable verb, rather than between the prefix and the stem, is a common misstep. Remember theInfinitive Construction Patterns
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
Verb + zu + Inf
|
Ich versuche zu lernen
|
|
Separable
|
Prefix + zu + Stem
|
Ich versuche anzurufen
|
|
Negative
|
nicht + zu + Inf
|
Ich versuche nicht zu gehen
|
|
Purpose
|
um + zu + Inf
|
Ich lerne, um zu bestehen
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj + zu + Inf
|
Es ist wichtig zu wissen
|
|
Noun
|
Noun + zu + Inf
|
Ich habe Lust zu tanzen
|
Meanings
The 'zu' infinitive is used to expand a sentence by adding an infinitive verb, often following specific verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
Verb complement
Used after verbs like 'versuchen', 'planen', 'vergessen'.
“Ich versuche zu lernen.”
“Er vergisst zu essen.”
Adjective complement
Used after adjectives like 'wichtig', 'schön', 'einfach'.
“Es ist wichtig zu wissen.”
“Es ist schön dich zu sehen.”
Noun complement
Used after nouns like 'Lust', 'Zeit', 'Angst'.
“Ich habe Lust zu tanzen.”
“Ich habe keine Zeit zu warten.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + V1 + ... + zu + V2
|
Ich hoffe zu gewinnen
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + V1 + ... + nicht + zu + V2
|
Ich hoffe nicht zu verlieren
|
|
Separable
|
Subj + V1 + ... + Prefix + zu + Stem
|
Ich versuche einzukaufen
|
|
Question
|
V1 + Subj + ... + zu + V2?
|
Versuchst du zu schlafen?
|
|
Purpose
|
Subj + V1 + ..., um + zu + V2
|
Ich gehe, um zu essen
|
|
Adjective
|
Es + ist + Adj + zu + V2
|
Es ist schön zu sehen
|
Formality Spectrum
Ich beabsichtige, nach Hause zu gehen. (Leaving a party)
Ich habe vor, nach Hause zu gehen. (Leaving a party)
Ich will nach Hause. (Leaving a party)
Ich hau ab. (Leaving a party)
The Zu-Infinitive Web
Verbs
- versuchen to try
- planen to plan
Nouns
- Lust desire
- Zeit time
Adjectives
- wichtig important
- schön nice
Examples by Level
Ich versuche zu schlafen.
I try to sleep.
Ich habe Lust zu essen.
I feel like eating.
Es ist Zeit zu gehen.
It is time to go.
Ich vergesse zu fragen.
I forget to ask.
Ich habe vor, heute einzukaufen.
I plan to go shopping today.
Es ist wichtig, {die|f} Regel zu lernen.
It is important to learn the rule.
Er hat keine Lust, {das|n} Buch zu lesen.
He doesn't feel like reading the book.
Ich versuche, nicht zu spät zu kommen.
I try not to come too late.
Es fällt mir schwer, {die|f} Entscheidung zu treffen.
It is hard for me to make the decision.
Ich habe {die|f} Absicht, {das|n} Projekt abzuschließen.
I have the intention to finish the project.
Es ist verboten, hier zu rauchen.
It is forbidden to smoke here.
Ich freue mich darauf, dich bald wiederzusehen.
I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Anstatt zu arbeiten, hat er {den|m} ganzen Tag ferngesehen.
Instead of working, he watched TV all day.
Es ist ratsam, {die|f} Situation genau zu analysieren.
It is advisable to analyze the situation closely.
Sie scheint {die|f} Wahrheit zu kennen.
She seems to know the truth.
Er hat {das|n} Ziel, {die|f} Prüfung zu bestehen.
He has the goal to pass the exam.
Es gilt, {die|f} Herausforderungen der Zukunft zu meistern.
It is necessary to master the challenges of the future.
Ohne {die|f} Erlaubnis zu fragen, hat er {das|n} Büro betreten.
Without asking for permission, he entered the office.
Es ist kaum zu glauben, wie schnell {die|f} Zeit vergeht.
It is hard to believe how fast time passes.
Er ist nicht bereit, {die|f} Konsequenzen zu tragen.
He is not prepared to bear the consequences.
Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob {die|f} Maßnahmen zu {dem|n} Erfolg führen.
It remains to be seen whether the measures lead to success.
Die Kunst besteht darin, {das|n} Gleichgewicht zu halten.
The art consists of maintaining the balance.
Es ist ihm nicht gelungen, {die|f} Menge zu überzeugen.
He did not succeed in convincing the crowd.
Man sollte stets bestrebt sein, {die|f} eigenen Horizonte zu erweitern.
One should always strive to broaden one's own horizons.
Easily Confused
Learners mix them up when the subject is the same.
Learners add 'zu' to modal verbs.
Learners put 'zu' before the prefix.
Common Mistakes
Ich versuche zu gehen nach Hause.
Ich versuche, nach Hause zu gehen.
Ich kann zu kommen.
Ich kann kommen.
Ich habe Lust tanzen.
Ich habe Lust zu tanzen.
Ich versuche zu anrufen.
Ich versuche anzurufen.
Ich hoffe, dass ich zu kommen.
Ich hoffe zu kommen.
Es ist wichtig, zu lernen die Sprache.
Es ist wichtig, die Sprache zu lernen.
Er hat vergessen zu das Fenster schließen.
Er hat vergessen, das Fenster zu schließen.
Ich habe vor, nicht zu gehen nicht.
Ich habe vor, nicht zu gehen.
Er scheint zu haben vergessen.
Er scheint vergessen zu haben.
Es ist zu schwer, zu verstehen.
Es ist zu schwer zu verstehen.
Man sollte bestrebt sein, zu erweitern den Horizont.
Man sollte bestrebt sein, den Horizont zu erweitern.
Es gilt, zu meistern die Herausforderung.
Es gilt, die Herausforderung zu meistern.
Sentence Patterns
Ich habe vor, ___ zu ___.
Es ist wichtig, ___ zu ___.
Ich habe keine Lust, ___ zu ___.
Es fällt mir schwer, ___ zu ___.
Real World Usage
Hast du Lust, heute zu kommen?
Ich freue mich, bei Ihnen zu arbeiten.
Es ist wichtig, {das|n} Ticket zu entwerten.
Es ist toll, neue Leute zu treffen!
Ich habe vor, heute Pizza zu bestellen.
Es gilt, {die|f} Hypothese zu prüfen.
Comma usage
Modal verbs
Separable verbs
Formal tone
Smart Tips
Always try to use 'zu' instead of 'dass' to sound more natural.
Remember the 'zu' sandwich: Prefix + zu + Stem.
Use 'um... zu' to be very clear about your goal.
When in doubt, use a comma before the 'zu' infinitive clause.
Pronunciation
Zu
Pronounced like 'tsu' in English.
Rising-Falling
Ich habe vor, {zu} schlafen.
Standard statement intonation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Zu goes before the verb, like a little key that unlocks the action.
Visual Association
Imagine a train where the 'zu' is the coupling that connects two carriages (the two verbs) together.
Rhyme
Put 'zu' before the verb at the end, that's how you make a German friend.
Story
Hans wants to go to the park. He says: 'Ich habe vor, in {den|m} Park zu gehen.' He sees his friend and says: 'Hast du Lust, mitzukommen?' His friend says: 'Ja, ich versuche, pünktlich zu sein.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your daily routine using 'zu' infinitive.
Cultural Notes
Germans value precision; using the correct infinitive structure shows you are educated.
Austrians often use more formal infinitive constructions in daily speech.
Swiss German speakers often use 'zu' infinitive in standard German, but might use different verb preferences.
The 'zu' infinitive comes from the Old High German preposition 'zuo', which indicated direction.
Conversation Starters
Was hast du heute vor zu machen?
Ist es wichtig, eine Fremdsprache zu lernen?
Was fällt dir schwer zu tun?
Was ist dein Ziel, in diesem Jahr zu erreichen?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich versuche, heute ___ (lernen).
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich kann zu gehen.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I want to sleep.
Answer starts with: Ich...
Ich hoffe. Ich gewinne.
Which verbs take 'zu'?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch versuche, heute ___ (lernen).
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich kann zu gehen.
zu / Ich / habe / vor / lernen / .
I want to sleep.
Ich hoffe. Ich gewinne.
Which verbs take 'zu'?
Match 'anrufen'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercisesZeit / Ich / nicht / habe / zu / warten / .
I hope to see you soon.
Es ist verboten, hier ___ (parken).
Ich plane, dich heute anzurufen zu.
Match these clauses:
I'm going to the supermarket TO buy bread.
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
Usually yes, especially if the infinitive clause is long or follows a main clause.
No, never. 'Ich kann zu gehen' is wrong.
Put 'zu' between the prefix and the stem, e.g., 'anzurufen'.
It is used in all registers, but it sounds more sophisticated than 'dass' clauses.
If the subject is the same, use 'zu'. If different, use 'dass'.
Yes, place 'nicht' before 'zu', e.g., 'Ich versuche, nicht zu rauchen'.
Yes, extremely common.
That is for purpose, e.g., 'Ich lerne, um zu bestehen'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
a + infinitive
Spanish 'a' is a preposition, while German 'zu' is a particle in this context.
de/à + infinitive
French requires memorizing which preposition to use (de vs à), whereas German always uses 'zu'.
ni + verb
Japanese is SOV, so the verb is always at the end.
an + verb
Arabic uses a particle that triggers subjunctive mood.
verb + verb
Chinese lacks the 'zu' particle entirely.
to + infinitive
German places 'zu' at the end of the clause, while English places it before the verb.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
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