A2 Infinitive Constructions 11 min read Easy

In Order To: Explaining Your Goals (um...zu)

Connect an action to its purpose using um...zu whenever the subject remains the same in both clauses.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'um...zu' to explain your purpose; place 'um' at the start and 'zu' + infinitive at the end.

  • Use 'um...zu' when the subject of both clauses is the same.
  • Place 'um' at the start of the purpose clause.
  • Put the infinitive verb at the very end of the sentence with 'zu'.
Main Clause + , + um + [extra info] + zu + Verb (Infinitive)

Overview

German utilizes the um...zu construction to articulate a purpose or intention behind an action. This structure directly answers the question "Why is this action being performed?" and functions as the precise equivalent of "in order to" or simply "to" in English. It provides a grammatically efficient method for connecting an activity with its specific goal.

At the A2 CEFR level, mastering um...zu is crucial for developing more complex and nuanced sentence structures. It moves beyond simple declarative statements, enabling you to express the motivations driving actions. This construction signals a deliberate aim, demonstrating foresight and planning in communication.

Linguistically, um...zu creates an infinitive clause of purpose (finale Infinitivsatz), which is a type of subordinate clause. Unlike main clauses, these infinitive clauses do not have a conjugated verb. Their primary function is to modify the verb of the main clause, detailing the objective toward which the main action is directed.

The core condition for its use is that the subject of the main clause must be identical to the implicit subject of the purpose clause.

How This Grammar Works

The fundamental role of um...zu is to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship where the "effect" is the intended outcome or goal. When you perform an action, and that action is specifically directed towards achieving a particular result, um...zu is the appropriate grammatical tool.
Consider the efficiency of this structure: it allows you to state both an action and its purpose within a single, coherent sentence without redundant repetition of the subject. For instance, instead of constructing two separate sentences like Ich lerne Deutsch. Ich möchte in Deutschland arbeiten., um...zu synthesizes this into Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten. (I am learning German in order to work in Germany.).
This directness is a hallmark of German grammatical precision.
The construction's placement within the sentence is fixed: um introduces the infinitive clause, and zu consistently precedes the infinitive verb at the absolute end of this subordinate clause. This zu acts as an infinitive marker, similar to "to" in English infinitives. The entire um...zu clause functions as an adverbial modifier, providing essential contextual information to the main verb.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming an um...zu sentence follows a consistent pattern, requiring careful attention to word order and punctuation. The structure integrates the purpose clause seamlessly with the main action.
2
Main Clause: Begin with a complete main clause, stating the primary action. This clause contains a conjugated verb and its subject.
3
Example: Wir fahren nach Berlin (We are driving to Berlin).
4
Comma: A comma must always separate the main clause from the um...zu infinitive clause. This is a strict rule for all German infinitive clauses introduced by specific conjunctions or prepositions.
5
um: Place um immediately after the comma. This word signals the beginning of the purpose clause.
6
Example: Wir fahren nach Berlin, um...
7
Infinitive Clause Elements: Insert any objects, adverbs, or other modifiers that belong to the infinitive clause. These precede zu and the infinitive verb.
8
Example: Wir fahren nach Berlin, um die Museen
9
zu + Infinitive Verb: Position zu directly before the infinitive form of the verb that describes the intended purpose. This verb always stands at the very end of the um...zu clause.
10
Example: Wir fahren nach Berlin, um die Museen zu besuchen. (We are driving to Berlin in order to visit the museums.)
11
Here is a summary of the structure:
12
| Part | Position in Sentence | Example Segment |
13
| :----------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |
14
| Main Clause | Beginning of sentence | Ich brauche ein neues Handy |
15
| , | Separator | , |\
16
| um | Introduces purpose clause | um |\
17
| Other Elements | Objects, adverbs, etc. | bessere Fotos |\
18
| zu | Directly before infinitive verb | zu |\
19
| Infinitive Verb| End of purpose clause | machen. |\
20
Full Example: Ich brauche ein neues Handy, um bessere Fotos zu machen. (I need a new phone in order to take better photos.)
21
Special Rule: Separable Verbs
22
When the verb in the um...zu clause is a separable verb (Trennbares Verb), the zu is inserted between the separable prefix and the verb stem. This forms a single compound word.
23
Original separable verb: aufstehen (to get up)
24
um...zu form: aufzustehen
25
Original separable verb: anrufen (to call)
26
um...zu form: anzurufen
27
Example: Ich stelle den(m) Wecker, um morgen früh aufzustehen. (I set the alarm clock in order to get up early tomorrow.)
28
Example: Sie schickt eine SMS, um ihn anzurufen. (She sends a text message to call him.)
29
Modal Verbs in um...zu clauses
30
While grammatically possible to include modal verbs (e.g., können, müssen, wollen) in an um...zu construction, it is often redundant and less idiomatic in modern German. The purpose itself usually implies the necessity or ability.
31
Less idiomatic: Ich lerne Deutsch, um besser sprechen zu können. (I am learning German in order to be able to speak better.)
32
More idiomatic: Ich lerne Deutsch, um besser Deutsch zu sprechen. (I am learning German in order to speak German better.)
33
In most cases, simplifying by omitting the modal verb results in more natural and concise German.

When To Use It

The um...zu construction is indispensable when you want to clearly state the objective or aim of an action performed by the same subject. This is its most critical and defining characteristic.
  • Expressing Direct Purpose: Use it whenever the main action is explicitly carried out for a specific goal or desired outcome.
  • Ich gehe ins Café, um einen Kaffee zu trinken. (I go to the café to drink a coffee.)
  • Wir sparen Geld, um eine Reise zu machen. (We save money to take a trip.)
  • Providing Justification: It explains the reason behind an action, focusing on the future-oriented goal rather than a past cause (like weil).
  • Sie studiert fleißig, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. (She studies diligently to pass the exam.)
  • Conditions for Use:
  • Identical Subjects: The subject of the main clause must be the same as the implied subject of the um...zu clause. This is non-negotiable for um...zu.
  • Intentionality: The action in the main clause must be a deliberate act with a clear goal in mind. It is not used for unintended consequences or accidental outcomes.
Consider this construction foundational for any scenario where you articulate plans, motivations, or efforts directed towards an achievement. From academic endeavors to daily errands, um...zu provides the grammatical backbone for goal-oriented communication.

Common Mistakes

German learners frequently encounter specific challenges with the um...zu construction. Understanding these common pitfalls is key to accurate application.
  1. 1Subject Mismatch: This is the most common error. Remember, um...zu is only used when the subject of the main clause is the same as the subject of the purpose clause. If the subjects are different, you must use damit (so that).
  • Incorrect: Ich kaufe ein Buch, um mein Bruder es lesen kann. (My brother is the one reading, not 'I'.)
  • Correct: Ich kaufe ein Buch, damit mein Bruder es lesen kann. (I buy a book so that my brother can read it.)
  • Correct with um...zu: Ich kaufe ein Buch, um es selbst zu lesen. (I buy a book to read it myself.)
  1. 1Missing Comma: In German grammar, infinitive clauses introduced by um, ohne (without), or statt (instead of) always require a comma to separate them from the main clause. Omitting this comma is a grammatical error.
  • Incorrect: Ich gehe joggen um fit zu bleiben.
  • Correct: Ich gehe joggen, um fit zu bleiben. (I go jogging to stay fit.)
  1. 1Conjugating the Infinitive Verb: The verb at the end of the um...zu clause must remain in its infinitive (base) form. It should never be conjugated or given personal endings.
  • Incorrect: Sie spart Geld, um sie kauft ein Haus zu.
  • Correct: Sie spart Geld, um ein Haus zu kaufen. (She saves money to buy a house.)
  1. 1Incorrect zu Placement with Separable Verbs: For separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem, forming a single word. Placing zu before the entire separable verb is incorrect.
  • Incorrect: Er ruft an, um zu anrufen.
  • Correct: Er ruft an, um anzurufen. (He calls to make a call/arrange an appointment.)
  1. 1Confusing um...zu with simple zu + Infinitive: Not every zu + infinitive construction implies purpose. Some verbs intrinsically require zu + infinitive (e.g., versuchen zu, planen zu, vergessen zu). In these cases, adding um would be incorrect as there is no specific "in order to" meaning.
  • Incorrect: Ich versuche, um gesund zu essen.
  • Correct: Ich versuche, gesund zu essen. (I try to eat healthily.) - Here, versuchen demands zu + infinitive, but there's no purpose to um.

Real Conversations

um...zu is a cornerstone of functional communication in German, appearing frequently in both casual and formal contexts. Its utility in clearly stating objectives makes it indispensable for native speakers.

- Digital Communication (Texting/Email):

- Ich schreibe dir, um nach deiner(f) Meinung zu fragen. (I'm writing to you to ask for your opinion.)

- Wir haben das Meeting vereinbart, um die nächsten Schritte zu planen. (We arranged the meeting to plan the next steps.)

- Everyday Situations:

- Ich muss zum Supermarkt, um Lebensmittel einzukaufen. (I have to go to the supermarket to buy groceries.)

- Lass uns einen Kaffee trinken gehen, um das Projekt zu besprechen. (Let's go for a coffee to discuss the project.)

- Work and Study Contexts:

- Die Studenten arbeiten zusammen, um die Präsentation vorzubereiten. (The students work together to prepare the presentation.)

- Er recherchiert viel, um seine Dissertation zu schreiben. (He researches a lot to write his dissertation.)

This construction reflects a German inclination towards directness and clarity in expressing motivations. You will hear and use um...zu constantly as you navigate everyday life in a German-speaking environment, from explaining why you're learning German to coordinating complex projects. It is a pragmatic and precise way to communicate intent, making it a natural fit for German linguistic culture where explicit statements often take precedence over implied meanings.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can an um...zu clause appear at the beginning of a sentence?
  • A: Yes, it can, especially for emphasis. When the um...zu clause begins the sentence, the conjugated verb of the main clause must follow immediately after the comma. This adheres to the verb-second rule (V2-Stellung) for main clauses.
  • Example: Um pünktlich anzukommen, fahre ich mit der Bahn. (In order to arrive on time, I travel by train.)
  • Q: How do reflexive verbs behave within an um...zu clause?
  • A: The reflexive pronoun (e.g., sich, mich, dich) is placed directly after um in the infinitive clause.
  • Example: Er geht ins Bett, um sich auszuruhen. (He goes to bed to rest himself.)
  • Example: Ich melde mich an, um den(m) Kurs zu belegen. (I sign up to take the course.)
  • Q: Does um always mean "in order to"? What about its other meanings?
  • A: The word um is polysemous in German. It can indeed mean "around" (e.g., um den(m) Tisch gehen - to walk around the table) or "at" when referring to time (e.g., um 8 Uhr - at 8 o'clock). However, in the context of the um...zu construction, its meaning is exclusively "in order to." The presence of zu immediately preceding an infinitive verb at the clause's end unambiguously signals the purpose construction, distinguishing it from other uses of um.
  • Q: Is um...zu appropriate in formal writing or only casual conversation?
  • A: um...zu is grammatically correct and widely used in all registers of German, from casual spoken language to formal academic or business writing. Its precision in expressing purpose makes it a valuable tool in any communicative context.
  • Formal example: Das Unternehmen investiert, um seine Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu stärken. (The company invests to strengthen its competitiveness.)
  • Q: Can I use um...zu with verbs that already have zu?
  • A: Yes, if the core meaning is still "in order to." For example, verbs like versuchen (to try) or planen (to plan) inherently take zu + infinitive. If you want to add the layer of purpose, um can precede it, though it's less common than a simple zu clause for these specific verbs if the purpose is already implied.
  • Example (less common): Er versucht, um die Aufgabe zu lösen. (He tries in order to solve the task.) - The um here is often superfluous. The goal is implicit in versuchen.
  • Preferred: Er versucht, die Aufgabe zu lösen. (He tries to solve the task.)
  • The key is whether an explicit "in order to" is truly necessary beyond the verb's inherent meaning.

Infinitive Construction Structure

Part Function Example
Main Clause
The action
Ich lerne
,
Separator
,
um
Purpose marker
um
Infinitive
The goal
Deutsch zu lernen

Meanings

This construction expresses the purpose or goal of an action. It translates to 'in order to' in English.

1

Expressing Purpose

Stating the reason for an action.

“Ich gehe in {den|m} Supermarkt, um Brot zu kaufen.”

“Er spart Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.”

Reference Table

Reference table for In Order To: Explaining Your Goals (um...zu)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Main Clause + , + um + ... + zu + Inf.
Ich gehe, um zu essen.
Negative
Main Clause + , + um + nicht + zu + Inf.
Ich gehe, um nicht zu hungern.
Separable
Main Clause + , + um + [prefix]zu + [stem]
Ich komme, um einzukaufen.
Modal
Main Clause + , + um + [modal] + zu + Inf.
Ich lerne, um können zu dürfen.
Passive
Main Clause + , + um + [participle] + zu + werden
Ich lerne, um gehört zu werden.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich studiere, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.

Ich studiere, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. (Exam preparation)

Neutral
Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.

Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. (Exam preparation)

Informal
Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.

Ich lerne, um zu bestehen. (Exam preparation)

Slang
Ich lerne, um zu checken.

Ich lerne, um zu checken. (Exam preparation)

The Purpose Map

um...zu

Goal

  • lernen to learn

Action

  • gehen to go
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Examples by Level

1

Ich lerne, um zu lesen.

I study to read.

2

Ich gehe, um zu essen.

I go to eat.

3

Er kommt, um zu helfen.

He comes to help.

4

Wir fahren, um zu spielen.

We drive to play.

1

Ich spare Geld, um ein Fahrrad zu kaufen.

I save money to buy a bike.

2

Sie macht Sport, um fit zu bleiben.

She exercises to stay fit.

3

Er lernt viel, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.

He studies a lot to pass the exam.

4

Ich brauche Zeit, um mich zu entspannen.

I need time to relax.

1

Um gesund zu leben, sollte man viel Wasser trinken.

To live healthily, one should drink lots of water.

2

Ich habe das Buch gelesen, um mehr über {die|f} Geschichte zu erfahren.

I read the book to learn more about history.

3

Sie ist nach Deutschland gezogen, um ihre Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern.

She moved to Germany to improve her language skills.

4

Wir haben uns beeilt, um den Zug noch zu erreichen.

We hurried to catch the train.

1

Das Unternehmen investiert in neue Technologien, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben.

The company invests in new tech to remain competitive.

2

Um diese Krise zu bewältigen, sind drastische Maßnahmen erforderlich.

To overcome this crisis, drastic measures are necessary.

3

Er hat viel Zeit investiert, um das Projekt erfolgreich abzuschließen.

He invested much time to complete the project successfully.

4

Um Missverständnisse zu vermeiden, sollten wir klar kommunizieren.

To avoid misunderstandings, we should communicate clearly.

1

Um der Monotonie des Alltags zu entfliehen, reiste er um die Welt.

To escape the monotony of daily life, he traveled the world.

2

Es bedarf einer gründlichen Analyse, um die Ursachen zu ergründen.

A thorough analysis is required to fathom the causes.

3

Um den Anforderungen gerecht zu werden, müssen wir unsere Strategie anpassen.

To meet the requirements, we must adjust our strategy.

4

Er tat alles, um seinen Ruf zu wahren.

He did everything to preserve his reputation.

1

Um sich der Tragweite seiner Entscheidung bewusst zu werden, bedurfte es einiger Zeit.

To become aware of the magnitude of his decision, it took some time.

2

Um den Geist der Zeit einzufangen, bediente er sich einer bildhaften Sprache.

To capture the spirit of the times, he used figurative language.

3

Um die Komplexität des Systems zu durchdringen, ist ein tiefgreifendes Verständnis nötig.

To penetrate the complexity of the system, profound understanding is necessary.

4

Um nicht in Vergessenheit zu geraten, publizierte er seine Memoiren.

So as not to be forgotten, he published his memoirs.

Easily Confused

In Order To: Explaining Your Goals (um...zu) vs damit

Both express purpose.

In Order To: Explaining Your Goals (um...zu) vs weil

Both answer 'why'.

In Order To: Explaining Your Goals (um...zu) vs zu + infinitive

Both use 'zu'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich gehe um essen.

✓

Ich gehe, um zu essen.

Missing 'zu'.
✗

Ich gehe, um essen zu.

✓

Ich gehe, um zu essen.

Wrong word order.
✗

Ich gehe, um er isst.

✓

Ich gehe, um zu essen.

Conjugated verb instead of infinitive.
✗

Ich gehe um zu essen.

✓

Ich gehe, um zu essen.

Missing comma.
✗

Ich lerne, um du lernst.

✓

Ich lerne, damit du lernst.

Different subjects need 'damit'.
✗

Ich gehe, um zu einkaufen.

✓

Ich gehe, um einzukaufen.

Separable verb error.
✗

Ich gehe, um zu nicht essen.

✓

Ich gehe, um nicht zu essen.

Negation placement.
✗

Ich habe gelernt, um zu bestehen.

✓

Ich habe gelernt, um zu bestehen.

Actually correct, but check tense consistency.
✗

Er geht, um zu sehen mich.

✓

Er geht, um mich zu sehen.

Object placement.
✗

Um zu gewinnen, er hat trainiert.

✓

Um zu gewinnen, hat er trainiert.

Main clause verb position.
✗

Um zu haben erreicht, ...

✓

Um erreicht zu haben, ...

Perfect infinitive structure.
✗

Um zu werden gesehen, ...

✓

Um gesehen zu werden, ...

Passive infinitive structure.
✗

Um zu können zu gehen, ...

✓

Um gehen zu können, ...

Modal infinitive order.

Sentence Patterns

Ich ___ , um ___ zu ___ .

Um ___ zu ___ , muss ich ___ .

Ich spare, um mir ___ zu ___ .

Um ___ zu ___ , ist es wichtig, ___ .

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Ich poste das, um meine Freunde zu grüßen.

Job Interview common

Ich möchte bei Ihnen arbeiten, um mich weiterzuentwickeln.

Travel common

Ich bin hier, um {die|f} Stadt zu besichtigen.

Food Delivery occasional

Ich bestelle, um nicht kochen zu müssen.

Texting constant

Ich komme, um zu helfen!

Academic Writing common

Um {das|n} Ergebnis zu validieren, führen wir Tests durch.

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💡

Comma usage

Always use a comma before 'um'.
⚠️

Subject check

Only use this if the subject is the same.
🎯

Separable verbs

Put 'zu' inside the verb.
💬

Efficiency

Germans love this construction for brevity.

Smart Tips

Check if they share a subject.

Ich gehe, weil ich will essen. → Ich gehe, um zu essen.

Use 'um...zu' for professional goals.

Ich schreibe, weil ich will den Job. → Ich schreibe, um mich für den Job zu bewerben.

Always sandwich 'zu' in the middle.

Ich komme, um zu einkaufen. → Ich komme, um einzukaufen.

Replace 'weil' clauses.

Ich lerne, weil ich will bestehen. → Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.

Pronunciation

um...zu [pause]

Intonation

The comma indicates a slight pause.

Rising-Falling

Ich lerne, ↗ um zu bestehen ↘

Standard statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Um starts the goal, Zu ends the role.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge. 'Um' is the start of the bridge, and 'Zu' is the anchor at the end holding the verb.

Rhyme

Um at the start, zu at the end, the infinitive verb is your best friend.

Story

Hans wants to eat. He walks to the kitchen. He says: 'Ich gehe in {die|f} Küche, um zu essen.' He is happy because he used the rule correctly.

Word Web

umzuInfinitiveZweckZielAbsicht

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your daily goals using 'um...zu'.

Cultural Notes

Germans value efficiency; 'um...zu' is the most efficient way to express purpose.

Similar usage, often slightly more formal in writing.

Standard German is used for this in writing.

Derived from Middle High German purpose constructions.

Conversation Starters

“

Warum lernst du Deutsch?

“

Warum gehst du ins Fitnessstudio?

“

Warum hast du diesen Job gewählt?

“

Warum ist Bildung wichtig?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deine Ziele für dieses Jahr.
Warum lernst du eine neue Sprache?
Beschreibe deinen Traumjob.
Wie kann man die Welt verbessern?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Ich gehe, ___ zu essen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Requires 'um' for purpose.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich gehe, um zu einkaufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe, um einzukaufen.
Separable verb rule.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
Standard order.
Translate to German. Translation

I work to live.

Answer starts with: Ich...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite, um zu leben.
Direct translation.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

Can I use um...zu with different subjects?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No
Requires same subject.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Warum lernst du? B: Ich lerne, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um zu bestehen.
Purpose clause.
Sort the parts. Grammar Sorting

Sort: um, zu, Main Clause, Inf.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main Clause, um, zu, Inf
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Ich gehe, ___ zu essen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Requires 'um' for purpose.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich gehe, um zu einkaufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe, um einzukaufen.
Separable verb rule.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

zu / um / ich / lerne / bestehen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
Standard order.
Translate to German. Translation

I work to live.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite, um zu leben.
Direct translation.
Is this rule correct? True False Rule

Can I use um...zu with different subjects?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No
Requires same subject.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Warum lernst du? B: Ich lerne, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um zu bestehen.
Purpose clause.
Sort the parts. Grammar Sorting

Sort: um, zu, Main Clause, Inf.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main Clause, um, zu, Inf
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

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

um / Ich / Geld / reisen / spare / zu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich spare Geld, um zu reisen.
Translate to German. Translation

I am going home to sleep.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe nach Hause, um zu schlafen.
Which one uses a separable verb correctly? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence for 'to clean up':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich habe Zeit, um die Wohnung aufzuräumen.
Fill in the correct form. Fill in the Blank

Er trainiert viel, um gesund ___ ___ (bleiben).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu bleiben
Match the action with its purpose. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe zur Post | um ein Paket abzuholen, Ich brauche Mehl | um einen Kuchen zu backen, Ich lerne viel | um die Prüfung zu bestehen
Correct the subject error. Error Correction

Ich helfe dir, um du die Hausaufgaben machst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich helfe dir, damit du die Hausaufgaben machst.
Where does 'zu' go? Fill in the Blank

Wir gehen ins Kino, um einen Film ___ sehen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu
Order the sentence for 'getting up early'. Sentence Reorder

um / Er / Wecker / braucht / früh / einen / aufzustehen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er braucht einen Wecker, um früh aufzustehen.
Which sentence about Netflix is correct? Multiple Choice

Purpose: watching a series.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich nutze Netflix, um Serien zu schauen.
Translate: I'm calling you to say hello. Translation

Translate to German.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich rufe dich an, um Hallo zu sagen.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, e.g., 'Ich lerne, um arbeiten zu können.'

Use 'damit'.

Yes, it separates the clauses.

Yes, 'Um zu lernen, gehe ich in {die|f} Bibliothek.'

Use 'nicht' before 'zu'.

It's neutral and used everywhere.

It's more concise.

Put 'zu' inside: 'einzukaufen'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

para + infinitive

Spanish doesn't have the 'zu' particle.

French high

pour + infinitive

French word order is more flexible.

Japanese moderate

tame ni

Japanese is SOV, German is V2.

Arabic partial

li- + subjunctive

Arabic uses conjugation, German uses infinitive.

Chinese moderate

weile... (de)

Chinese has no verb conjugation.

English high

in order to

English doesn't split the construction.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Connecting Actions: The 'zu' + Infinitive Construction
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German 'zu' Sandwich: Separable Verbs (anzufangen)

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A2 Builds On

Connecting Actions: The 'zu' + Infinitive Construction

Overview The `zu` + infinitive construction in German is a powerful and frequently used grammatical structure that allow...

Continue With

C1 Builds On

In Order To: Purpose Clauses (um... zu)

Overview German, a language celebrated for its precision, offers elegant constructions to convey complex ideas concisely...

Related Videos

‘Zu’ or ‘um ... zu’ - How to use the infinitive form of the verb | The Coffee Break German Show 1.08 11:03 YouTube

‘Zu’ or ‘um ... zu’ - How to use the infinitive form of the verb | The Coffee Break German Show 1.08

Coffee Break German

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...
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