B2 Verb Moods 16 min read Medium

The "Ninja Passive" (Sein + Zu)

Use sein + zu + Infinitive as a shortcut to say something must or can be done without using modal verbs.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The 'Ninja Passive' uses 'sein + zu + infinitive' to express necessity or possibility, acting like a hidden passive voice.

  • Use 'sein + zu + infinitive' to express necessity (must be done): 'Das ist zu tun' (It must be done).
  • Use it to express possibility (can be done): 'Das ist zu machen' (It can be done).
  • It replaces the passive voice with modal verbs like 'müssen' or 'können'.
Subject + sein + zu + Verb(Infinitiv)

Overview

German, a language celebrated for its precision and conciseness, employs several sophisticated grammatical structures to convey complex meanings efficiently. Among these, the sein + zu + Infinitive construction stands out as a powerful and often misunderstood element. This B2-level structure functions as a highly compact alternative to the passive voice combined with modal verbs, primarily müssen (must) or können (can).

It allows speakers and writers to express necessity, obligation, or possibility in an objective and often formal manner, without explicitly stating the agent of the action. Learners frequently refer to it as the "Ninja Passive" due to its subtle yet effective ability to imply obligation or feasibility.

This construction is not merely a stylistic choice; it represents a fundamental principle of German syntax, emphasizing the state or requirement of an object rather than the subject performing the action. You will encounter it frequently in official documents, instructions, public notices, and academic discourse, where objectivity and conciseness are paramount. Mastering sein + zu + Infinitive unlocks a more nuanced understanding of German professional communication and advanced sentence structures, which are crucial at the CEFR B2 level and beyond.

How This Grammar Works

The sein + zu + Infinitive construction operates as a condensed form of the passive voice with a modal verb. Specifically, it replaces structures like müssen/können + Partizip II + werden (modal passive) or Partizip II + sein (statal passive) when combined with a modal verb. Its primary function is to express either a necessity/obligation or a possibility/feasibility.
The precise meaning is almost always determined by the context in which the sentence appears.
Consider the sentence die Aufgabe ist zu erledigen. Literally, this translates to "The task is to accomplish." However, its true meaning is "The task must be accomplished" or "The task needs to be accomplished." The underlying linguistic principle is the transformation of an active infinitive (erledigen – to accomplish) into a passive-like expression of state or requirement for the subject. This shift from an active verb with an implicit agent to a passive implication is key.
It allows you to describe a state of affairs or a directive without explicitly mentioning who is responsible.
This construction is characterized by its inherent objectivity. By omitting the performer of the action, the focus shifts entirely to the action itself or the state of the object. This is particularly useful in contexts where the agent is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally left unstated to maintain an impersonal tone, such as in rules or scientific observations.
For instance, das Problem ist zu lösen (The problem can/must be solved) clearly states the situation without assigning responsibility. This mechanism of depersonalization is a hallmark of formal German.
Unlike modal verbs that conjugate and express the modality directly, sein + zu + Infinitive uses the simple conjugation of sein to carry the temporal and personal information, while zu + Infinitive provides the modal meaning. This grammatical economy is why it is favoured in many formal written and spoken contexts. It is a powerful tool for sophisticated expression, particularly when you need to convey directives or assessments with authority and conciseness.
Understanding that it is not merely a quirky translation of "is to" but a fully functional modal-passive equivalent is fundamental to its correct application.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming the sein + zu + Infinitive construction is straightforward, adhering to a consistent German sentence structure. The core formula is Subject + conjugated sein + zu + Infinitive. The conjugated form of sein must agree with the subject in number and person, and the entire zu + Infinitive phrase always appears at the very end of the main clause.
2
Here’s a breakdown of the pattern:
3
Basic Formula:
4
| Component | Example |
5
| :--------------- | :------------------------------ |
6
| Subject | der Bericht |
7
| sein (conjugated) | ist |
8
| (optional adjuncts) | bis morgen |
9
| zu + Infinitive | zu schreiben |
10
Example: der Bericht ist bis morgen zu schreiben. (The report must be written by tomorrow.)
11
Conjugation of sein (Present Tense):
12
| Person | Singular | Plural |
13
| :----------- | :------- | :-------- |
14
| ich | bin | sind |
15
| du | bist | seid |\
16
| er/sie/es/man | ist | sind |\
17
| wir | sind | sind |\
18
| ihr | seid | seid |\
19
| Sie | sind | sind |
20
For example, if the subject is plural: die Dokumente sind noch zu überprüfen. (The documents still need to be checked.)
21
Integration with Separable Prefixes:
22
When the infinitive verb has a separable prefix (e.g., an-rufen, aus-füllen), the zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. This creates a single compound word. This is a crucial rule for correct formation.
23
| Base Verb | Separable Prefix + zu + Stem | Example |
24
| :------------ | :------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |\
25
| anrufen | anzurufen | der Kunde ist anzurufen. |\
26
| ausfüllen | auszufüllen | das Formular ist auszufüllen. |\
27
| vorbereiten | vorzubereiten | das Essen ist vorzubereiten. |
28
Negation:
29
To negate the sein + zu + Infinitive construction, you typically place nicht directly before zu. This indicates impossibility or a prohibition.
30
das Problem ist nicht zu lösen. (The problem cannot be solved.)
31
Diese Frage ist nicht zu beantworten. (This question is not to be answered / cannot be answered.)
32
Sentence Structure Variations:
33
In main clauses, sein is the conjugated verb in the second position, and zu + Infinitive is at the end. In subordinate clauses, the conjugated sein moves to the very end of the clause, just before the zu + Infinitive:
34
Main Clause: der Vertrag ist sorgfältig zu prüfen. (The contract must be carefully reviewed.)
35
Subordinate Clause: Ich weiß, dass der Vertrag sorgfältig zu prüfen ist. (I know that the contract must be carefully reviewed.)
36
This consistent placement ensures clarity and grammatical correctness, regardless of the clause type. Pay close attention to these structural details to master the pattern fully.

When To Use It

The sein + zu + Infinitive construction is versatile, predominantly employed in contexts demanding objectivity, conciseness, or formality. Its two main interpretations – necessity/obligation and possibility/feasibility – are almost exclusively determined by the surrounding context.
1. Expressing Necessity or Obligation (Equivalent to müssen in Passive):
This is a common use, particularly in instructions, regulations, and official communications. It conveys a clear directive or requirement without stating who must perform the action.
  • In Instructions and Manuals: You often encounter this in procedural texts where actions are mandated. For example, in an assembly guide: die Schraube ist festzuziehen. (The screw must be tightened.) This is more succinct and objective than Die Schraube muss festgezogen werden.
  • Regulations and Rules: Public signs, legal texts, and company policies frequently use this structure to state prohibitions or mandatory actions impersonally. Consider a notice: Rauchen ist hier nicht gestattet. (Smoking is not permitted here.) Or a contract clause: die Frist ist unbedingt einzuhalten. (The deadline must absolutely be met.)
  • Directives and Expectations: In a professional setting, a manager might state: der Bericht ist bis Freitag einzureichen. (The report must be submitted by Friday.) This clearly sets an expectation.
2. Expressing Possibility or Feasibility (Equivalent to können in Passive):
When used positively, it can indicate that something is possible or doable. When negated, it strongly implies impossibility.
  • Regarding Capability/Solvability: If a task presents challenges, you might assess: das Problem ist leicht zu lösen. (The problem can be easily solved.) Conversely, if something is inherently difficult: Diese Aufgabe ist kaum zu bewältigen. (This task is hardly manageable / can hardly be accomplished.)
  • Describing Impossibility: Negated, nicht zu strongly conveys that something cannot be done or is impossible to achieve. For instance, after a severe accident: das Auto ist nicht mehr zu reparieren. (The car can no longer be repaired.) Or a difficult concept: das Konzept ist nur schwer zu verstehen. (The concept is only difficult to understand.)
Objectivity and Conciseness:
One of the primary reasons for its prevalence in formal German is its ability to be both objective and remarkably concise. Instead of using a lengthy passive construction with a modal verb, sein + zu + Infinitive offers an elegant shortcut. This is especially valuable in academic writing, technical descriptions, and official correspondence, where economy of language is prized.
It shifts focus from the agent (who is doing it) to the action's necessity or possibility (what needs to be done or can be done), which is a key characteristic of formal German communication.
Contrast with sich lassen + Infinitive:
While similar in expressing possibility, sich lassen often implies an inherent characteristic or a property of the subject that allows the action to occur, often with ease or difficulty. For example:
  • das Fenster ist zu öffnen. (The window can/must be opened – a general statement or directive.)
  • das Fenster lässt sich öffnen. (The window allows itself to be opened – implying its mechanism works, or it's easy to open.)
Sein + zu is broader and can convey both obligation and general possibility, whereas sich lassen is typically restricted to possibility related to inherent properties or ease of action. Choose sein + zu for general statements of requirement or feasibility, and sich lassen when the emphasis is on the object's inherent amenability to the action.

Common Mistakes

Mastering sein + zu + Infinitive requires vigilance against several common pitfalls that German learners frequently encounter. These errors often stem from direct translation attempts or a misunderstanding of the construction's unique syntactic and semantic rules.
  • Omission of zu: The most frequent error is neglecting the zu particle. You cannot simply say *Das ist machen for "That is to be done." This omission renders the sentence grammatically incorrect and often unintelligible, as ist (is) and machen (to do) cannot directly combine in this manner. Remember, the zu acts as an essential linker, forming the infinitive construction. Always include zu: das ist zu machen. (That is to be done.)
  • Incorrect Placement of zu + Infinitive: In main clauses, the entire zu + Infinitive phrase must be at the absolute end of the sentence. Learners sometimes mistakenly place it earlier, mimicking English or other German verb placements. For example, *Der Bericht zu schreiben ist bis Freitag is incorrect. The correct placement is: der Bericht ist bis Freitag zu schreiben. (The report must be written by Friday.) In subordinate clauses, the conjugated form of sein moves to the end, directly preceding zu + Infinitive.
  • Misapplication of Separable Prefixes: For verbs with separable prefixes, zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. A common mistake is to place zu before the entire verb (e.g., *zu ausfüllen). The correct form is auszufüllen, vorzubereiten, anzurufen. For instance, das Formular ist auszufüllen. (The form is to be filled out.)
  • Confusing with Future Tense or Simple "Is To": While English might use "is to" for future events (The meeting is to take place tomorrow), the German sein + zu + Infinitive is not a future tense. It expresses necessity or possibility in the present (or the tense sein is conjugated in). Do not interpret das Haus ist zu verkaufen as The house is going to be sold (future intent), but rather The house is for sale / must be sold (current state/obligation).
  • Overuse in Casual Conversation: While specific idiomatic phrases like Das ist zu schaffen (That's doable) are common informally, using sein + zu + Infinitive for every statement of necessity in casual dialogue can sound overly formal, stiff, or even bureaucratic. For informal contexts, modal verbs or simpler constructions are usually preferred. For example, instead of *Das Abendessen ist zu kochen, you would typically say Wir müssen das Abendessen kochen or Ich muss Abendessen kochen.
  • Misinterpreting Meaning Without Context: Distinguishing between necessity and possibility relies heavily on context. Neglecting contextual cues can lead to misinterpretations. If your supervisor says der Fehler ist zu korrigieren, it undoubtedly means "The error must be corrected," not "The error can be corrected." Always analyze the situation and surrounding phrases.
  • Attempting Literal English Translation: Trying to directly translate "must be done" as muss gemacht werden is grammatically correct but often misses the idiomatic conciseness and objectivity that sein + zu + Infinitive provides. Embrace the distinct German expression rather than forcing a word-for-word translation.
By consciously addressing these common errors, you can refine your use of this sophisticated German construction and avoid misunderstandings in your communication.

Real Conversations

While sein + zu + Infinitive often carries a formal or official tone, its utility extends into various real-world German communication scenarios, from professional exchanges to concise personal notes. Understanding where and how native speakers deploy it reveals its functional elegance.

1. Workplace Communication:

In professional environments, this construction is invaluable for conveying tasks, deadlines, or project requirements with clarity and impersonality.

- Email (Project Update): Liebes Team, die Präsentation ist bis Donnerstag final abzustimmen.` (Dear team, the presentation must be finally approved by Thursday.) This clearly states a required action without singling out an individual.

- Meeting Notes: Aktionspunkte: der Punkt X ist bis zum nächsten Treffen zu klären.` (Action points: Item X needs to be clarified by the next meeting.) This is a common way to assign tasks to the group collectively or a yet-to-be-determined person.

- Internal Directives: Alle Mitarbeiter sind über die neue Datenschutzverordnung zu informieren.` (All employees are to be informed about the new data protection regulation.)

2. Public Notices and Instructions:

You will frequently encounter sein + zu + Infinitive on signs, in public announcements, and in guides.

- Sign at a Building: Abfälle sind in den(m) dafür vorgesehenen Behälter zu entsorgen.` (Waste is to be disposed of in the designated container.) This is a formal, imperative instruction.

- Museum Guide: die Vitrinen sind nicht zu berühren. (The display cases are not to be touched.) A clear prohibition.

3. Technical and Academic Contexts:

Its objectivity makes it perfect for scientific papers, technical manuals, and academic discussions.

- Lab Instructions: die Probe ist auf 200°C zu erhitzen. (The sample is to be heated to 200°C.)

- Academic Writing: Daraus ist der Schluss zu ziehen, dass...` (From this, the conclusion is to be drawn that...) This phrasing introduces an objective deduction.

4. Everyday Expressions (Concise Impossibility/Possibility):

While generally formal, some phrases have become colloquial shortcuts, especially for expressing impossibility or difficulty.

- Expressing Disbelief: Das ist ja nicht zu fassen! (That's unbelievable! / That's not to be grasped!) This is a very common idiomatic expression of astonishment or indignation.

- About a Challenging Task: Das ist zu schaffen! (That's doable! / That can be managed!) This phrase often serves as encouragement.

- Difficulty: Diese Musik ist kaum zu ertragen. (This music is hardly bearable.)

C

Cultural Insight

The prevalence of sein + zu + Infinitive in German administrative and professional contexts reflects a cultural inclination towards precise, unambiguous, and often impersonal communication where rules and procedures are paramount. It ensures that instructions are understood as objective requirements rather than subjective requests.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the sein + zu + Infinitive construction, addressing common uncertainties you might encounter as a learner.
  • Is this construction always formal?
Generally, yes. It often imparts a formal, objective, or bureaucratic tone, making it suitable for written instructions, official announcements, and academic texts. However, specific idiomatic expressions like Das ist nicht zu fassen! (That's unbelievable!) or Das ist zu schaffen! (That's doable!) are perfectly common in informal spoken German.
Context and specific phrasing are key.
  • Who performs the action when using sein + zu + Infinitive?
The beauty and utility of this construction lie in its impersonality: the agent (the person or thing performing the action) is typically unspecified or irrelevant. The focus is entirely on the necessity or possibility of the action itself, or the state of the object. For example, in der Bericht ist bis morgen zu schreiben, it's not stated who is to write the report, only that the report must be written.
  • Can sein + zu + Infinitive be used in different tenses?
Yes, absolutely. The tense is conveyed by conjugating the verb sein accordingly. The zu + Infinitive part remains unchanged. For example:
  • Present: der Brief ist zu beantworten. (The letter is to be answered.)
  • Past (Präteritum): der Brief war zu beantworten. (The letter was to be answered.)
  • Perfect (Perfekt): der Brief ist zu beantworten gewesen. (The letter had to be answered – less common, often replaced by modal passive.)
  • Future (Futur I): der Brief wird zu beantworten sein. (The letter will have to be answered.)
  • How do I negate this construction?
To negate sein + zu + Infinitive, you almost always place nicht directly before zu. This indicates impossibility or a prohibition. For instance: die Tür ist nicht zu öffnen. (The door cannot be opened / is not to be opened.)
  • Can sein + zu + Infinitive always replace a modal passive construction?
Often, yes, particularly when expressing necessity (müssen) or possibility (können) impersonally. However, it is not always a perfect one-to-one replacement. Sein + zu + Infinitive generally implies a more objective, sometimes prescriptive, tone.
If you want to emphasize the agent (even in passive voice, von + Dativ or durch + Akkusativ), or if the modal verb expresses a different nuance (e.g., sollen for recommendation, dürfen for permission), then the modal passive might be more appropriate. Always consider the precise nuance you wish to convey.
  • What's the difference between sein + zu + Infinitive and adjectives ending in -bar?
Adjectives ending in -bar (e.g., lesbar - readable, reparierbar - repairable) also express possibility or capability. They often indicate an inherent quality of the noun.
  • die Schrift ist lesbar. (The handwriting is legible / readable.)
  • die Schrift ist zu lesen. (The handwriting can be read / is to be read.)
While often interchangeable when expressing possibility (können), sein + zu can also convey necessity, which -bar adjectives cannot. Use -bar for inherent qualities; use sein + zu for broader possibility or obligation.
  • Is it commonly used for every verb?
While grammatically possible with many transitive verbs, it sounds most natural with verbs that typically appear in formal contexts or express actions that can be seen as tasks or requirements (e.g., machen, lösen, erledigen, prüfen, schreiben). Using it for highly informal or inherently agent-focused actions might sound awkward or overly formal. Think about whether the action logically lends itself to an impersonal statement of necessity or possibility.

Sein + Zu + Infinitiv

Subject Sein Zu Verb
Das
ist
zu
lösen
Die Aufgaben
sind
zu
erledigen
Ich
bin
zu
fragen
Wir
sind
zu
hören
Es
ist
zu
sehen
Das
war
zu
machen

Meanings

This construction functions as a passive-voice substitute, implying either necessity (must) or possibility (can). It is highly concise and common in formal or technical German.

1

Necessity (Müssen)

Something is required to be done.

“Der Brief ist heute noch zu schreiben.”

“Die Rechnung ist sofort zu bezahlen.”

2

Possibility (Können)

Something is capable of being done.

“Das ist kaum zu glauben.”

“Der Fehler ist leicht zu beheben.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The "Ninja Passive" (Sein + Zu)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + sein + zu + Inf
Das ist zu tun.
Negative
Subj + sein + nicht + zu + Inf
Das ist nicht zu tun.
Question
Sein + Subj + zu + Inf?
Ist das zu tun?
Separable
Subj + sein + prefix+zu+verb
Das ist aufzumachen.
Past
Subj + war + zu + Inf
Das war zu machen.
Modal
Subj + sein + zu + Inf
Das ist zu klären.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Die Tür ist zu schließen.

Die Tür ist zu schließen. (Instruction)

Neutral
Die Tür muss geschlossen werden.

Die Tür muss geschlossen werden. (Instruction)

Informal
Mach die Tür zu!

Mach die Tür zu! (Instruction)

Slang
Tür zu!

Tür zu! (Instruction)

Ninja Passive Logic

Ninja Passive

Meaning

  • Müssen Must
  • Können Can

Structure

  • Sein To be
  • Zu To
  • Infinitiv Infinitive
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Examples by Level

1

Das ist zu tun.

This is to be done.

2

Das ist zu lernen.

This is to be learned.

3

Das ist zu machen.

This is to be done.

4

Das ist zu lesen.

This is to be read.

1

Der Brief ist zu schreiben.

The letter is to be written.

2

Die Tür ist zu schließen.

The door is to be closed.

3

Das ist nicht zu verstehen.

That is not to be understood.

4

Ist das zu glauben?

Is that to be believed?

1

Die Rechnung ist bis Freitag zu bezahlen.

The bill is to be paid by Friday.

2

Der Fehler ist leicht zu beheben.

The error is easy to fix.

3

Das ist kaum zu erwarten.

That is hardly to be expected.

4

Die Regeln sind zu beachten.

The rules are to be observed.

1

Die Unterlagen sind im Büro einzureichen.

The documents are to be submitted at the office.

2

Das ist unter keinen Umständen zu dulden.

That is under no circumstances to be tolerated.

3

Die Situation ist neu zu bewerten.

The situation is to be re-evaluated.

4

Es ist viel zu tun.

There is much to be done.

1

Die Auswirkungen sind kritisch zu hinterfragen.

The effects are to be critically questioned.

2

Das Ergebnis ist als Erfolg zu werten.

The result is to be valued as a success.

3

Diese Maßnahme ist sofort umzusetzen.

This measure is to be implemented immediately.

4

Die Daten sind sorgfältig zu prüfen.

The data is to be checked carefully.

1

Das ist als ein unumstößliches Gesetz zu betrachten.

That is to be considered an immutable law.

2

Die Problematik ist differenziert zu betrachten.

The problem is to be viewed in a differentiated way.

3

Es bleibt abzuwarten, wie sich die Lage entwickelt.

It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

4

Der Vorfall ist als singulär zu bezeichnen.

The incident is to be described as singular.

Easily Confused

The "Ninja Passive" (Sein + Zu) vs Passive Voice (werden)

Learners confuse the passive with the Ninja passive.

The "Ninja Passive" (Sein + Zu) vs Modal Verbs

Learners use modals when the Ninja passive is more appropriate.

The "Ninja Passive" (Sein + Zu) vs Zu + Infinitive clauses

Confusing 'sein + zu' with standard 'zu' clauses.

Common Mistakes

✗

Das ist machen.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Missing 'zu'.
✗

Das ist zu gemacht.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Using participle instead of infinitive.
✗

Das ist zuaufmachen.

✓

Das ist aufzumachen.

Wrong placement of 'zu' in separable verbs.
✗

Das sein zu machen.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Forgot to conjugate 'sein'.
✗

Das muss zu machen sein.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Redundant modal.
✗

Das ist zu getan.

✓

Das ist zu tun.

Wrong form of 'tun'.
✗

Das ist für zu machen.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Adding 'für' is incorrect.
✗

Die Arbeit ist von mir zu machen.

✓

Die Arbeit ist zu machen.

Adding an agent is awkward.
✗

Das ist zu gewesen.

✓

Das ist zu sein.

Incorrect tense.
✗

Das ist zu haben gemacht.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Incorrect infinitive form.
✗

Das ist zu sein gemacht.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Over-complicating the structure.
✗

Das ist zu werden gemacht.

✓

Das ist zu machen.

Mixing passive and Ninja passive.
✗

Das ist zu tun gewesen.

✓

Das war zu tun.

Wrong past tense.

Sentence Patterns

Das ist ___ zu ___.

Die Aufgabe ist ___ zu ___.

Ist das ___ zu ___?

Das ist unter keinen Umständen zu ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interview common

Die Aufgaben sind eigenständig zu erledigen.

Technical Manual constant

Das Gerät ist vor Gebrauch zu reinigen.

Formal Email common

Die Rechnung ist bis zum 15. zu begleichen.

Social Media occasional

Das ist nicht zu fassen!

Travel Guide common

Das Museum ist zu Fuß zu erreichen.

Food Delivery App rare

Die Anweisungen sind zu beachten.

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💡

Use it for brevity

When you want to sound professional and concise, use this instead of 'müssen'.
⚠️

Don't overdo it

It can sound very stiff if used in casual conversation.
🎯

Combine with adverbs

Use words like 'leicht', 'schwer', 'kaum' to add nuance.
💬

The 'Behördendeutsch' factor

This is the hallmark of German bureaucracy. Use it to sound like an official.

Smart Tips

Use 'sein + zu' to sound professional.

Man muss das Fenster schließen. → Das Fenster ist zu schließen.

Use 'kaum zu' for emphasis.

Das kann man kaum glauben. → Das ist kaum zu glauben.

Remember 'zu' goes between the prefix and the verb.

Das ist zu aufmachen. → Das ist aufzumachen.

Use it to be concise.

Es gibt viel, das gemacht werden muss. → Es ist viel zu tun.

Pronunciation

/tsuː/

Zu

The 'zu' is unstressed and short.

Statement

Das ist ↗ zu ↘ machen.

Neutral assertion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a Ninja: silent, quick, and precise. 'Sein + zu' is the Ninja's strike—short and effective.

Visual Association

Imagine a checklist. Every item has a 'zu' next to it, meaning it 'must' be done.

Rhyme

Sein und zu, mach es im Nu!

Story

A secret agent receives a mission. He reads: 'Der Tresor ist zu öffnen.' He doesn't need to say 'Der Tresor muss geöffnet werden.' He just does it.

Word Web

seinzumüssenkönnenpassivinfinitivaufgabe

Challenge

Write 5 things you need to do today using the 'sein + zu' structure.

Cultural Notes

This is the language of 'Behörden'. It sounds official.

Used to give clear, concise instructions.

Used to maintain a detached, objective tone.

Derived from Middle High German, where 'sein' + 'zu' + infinitive was used to express necessity.

Conversation Starters

“

Was ist heute noch zu tun?

“

Ist das Problem leicht zu lösen?

“

Was ist in dieser Stadt zu sehen?

“

Ist das wirklich zu glauben?

Journal Prompts

Describe your to-do list for tomorrow.
Write a set of rules for your house.
Reflect on a difficult task you finished.
Write a formal complaint about a service.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct form.

Die Aufgabe ___ zu erledigen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Subject is singular.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu machen.
Correct structure.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Das ist zuaufmachen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist aufzumachen.
Separable verb rule.
Transform to Ninja Passive. Sentence Transformation

Man muss das tun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu tun.
Correct transformation.
True or False? True False Rule

The Ninja passive can express possibility.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
It expresses both necessity and possibility.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Was ist zu tun? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu lernen.
Correct response.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

ist / zu / das / lösen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu lösen.
Correct word order.
Sort the words. Grammar Sorting

ist / zu / das / machen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu machen.
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct form.

Die Aufgabe ___ zu erledigen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist
Subject is singular.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu machen.
Correct structure.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Das ist zuaufmachen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist aufzumachen.
Separable verb rule.
Transform to Ninja Passive. Sentence Transformation

Man muss das tun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu tun.
Correct transformation.
True or False? True False Rule

The Ninja passive can express possibility.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
It expresses both necessity and possibility.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Was ist zu tun? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu lernen.
Correct response.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

ist / zu / das / lösen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu lösen.
Correct word order.
Sort the words. Grammar Sorting

ist / zu / das / machen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist zu machen.
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the missing word. Fill in the Blank

Der Text ist schwer ___ verstehen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu
Select the correct meaning of: 'Das ist zu schaffen.' Multiple Choice

What does this sentence mean?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That is doable/manageable.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

zu / ist / Das / reparieren / nicht

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist nicht zu reparieren.
Translate into German using the 'sein + zu' pattern. Translation

The window is to be opened.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Fenster ist zu öffnen.
Match the German phrase to the English meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["must be done","can be seen","can be believed"]
Fix the missing word. Error Correction

Die Tür ist schließen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die Tür ist zu schließen.
Complete with the correct form of 'sein'. Fill in the Blank

Die Aufgaben ___ bis morgen zu erledigen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sind
Which implies impossibility? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence that means 'It cannot be done'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Es ist nicht zu machen.
Arrange the sentence. Sentence Reorder

glauben / kaum / ist / Das / zu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist kaum zu glauben.
Translate: 'The car is to be sold.' Translation

The car is to be sold.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Auto ist zu verkaufen.
Complete the phrase. Fill in the Blank

Das ist gut ___ wissen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu
Which sentence is grammatically correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diese Regel ist zu beachten.

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It is better to avoid it in very casual settings as it sounds stiff.

No, it can also mean 'can'. It depends on the context.

Just add 'nicht' before 'zu'. Example: 'Das ist nicht zu machen.'

Most verbs work, but it is most common with transitive verbs.

No, it is a substitute that adds modal meaning.

Because it hides the modal verb and agent.

Yes, use 'war' instead of 'ist'. Example: 'Das war zu tun.'

Yes, it is very common in formal and technical German.

Scaffolded Practice

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4

Mastery Progress

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Improving

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

ser + de + infinitivo

Spanish uses 'de' instead of 'zu'.

French high

être + à + infinitif

French uses 'à' instead of 'zu'.

German high

sein + zu + Infinitiv

None.

Japanese low

〜べき (beki)

Japanese is agglutinative, German is analytic.

Arabic low

يجب أن (yajib an)

Arabic uses a verb, German uses a construction.

Chinese low

必须 (bìxū)

Chinese lacks the passive-like structure.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The 'Can Be Done' Shortcut (sich lassen)
Next
German Indirect Speech (Konjunktiv I): Reporting What Others Say

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