German 'zu' Sandwich: Separable Verbs (anzufangen)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When using 'zu' with a separable verb, place the 'zu' directly between the prefix and the verb root.
- Identify the separable prefix: 'an' + 'fangen'.
- Insert 'zu' between them: 'an' + 'zu' + 'fangen'.
- Write it as one word: 'anzufangen'.
Overview
German linguistic structure often conveys meaning through compounding, and the zu + infinitive construction with separable verbs exemplifies this tendency. While you are likely acquainted with zu preceding simple infinitives such as zu essen (to eat) or zu trinken (to drink), the interaction of zu with separable verbs (trennbare Verben) introduces a distinct and crucial pattern. This specific construction, colloquially known as the "zu sandwich," places zu directly between the verb's separable prefix and its stem, forming a single compound word.
Mastering this grammatical nuance is fundamental for achieving an A2 CEFR level, as it significantly enhances both receptive comprehension and productive fluency in spoken and written German. Understanding the intrinsic logic of German verb formation is essential for its correct application. This construction reflects a core principle of German morphology, where prefixes often carry independent semantic weight, necessitating zu's insertion to maintain this semantic integrity within the infinitive form.
How This Grammar Works
zu sandwich, it is imperative to first understand the nature of separable verbs. These verbs are composed of a base verb and a separable prefix that imparts a specific meaning, frequently modifying the action or direction of the base verb. In simple main clauses, these prefixes detach from the verb stem and migrate to the sentence-final position when the verb is conjugated.Ich rufe dich an (I call you), the prefix an- from the verb anrufen (to call) separates and appears at the end. This separation is a key characteristic of separable verbs, indicating the prefix's relatively independent semantic contribution.zu, the language requires a mechanism to signify that the entire prefixed verb, encompassing both its prefix and stem, functions as a unified infinitive. Instead of simply placing zu before the complete verb (e.g., zu anrufen is grammatically incorrect), zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. This insertion results in a single, compound word.zu serving as the grammatical marker for the infinitive clause. This internal placement of zu effectively preserves the indivisible meaning of the prefixed verb, even though its components are graphically separated by zu. Consider the verb aufstehen (to get up).Ich stehe früh auf (I get up early). When used in an infinitive clause expressing purpose or necessity, the zu acts as an integral connector: Es ist wichtig, früh aufzustehen (It is important to get up early). The auf- and stehen are reunited by zu, which ensures that the entire conceptual action of aufstehen is recognized as the infinitive.zu were positioned externally.untrennbare Verben), which possess prefixes such as be-, ge-, ent-, emp-, er-, ver-, zer-, and miss-. These prefixes are unstressed and never detach from their verb stems. Consequently, for inseparable verbs, zu simply precedes the entire infinitive as a separate word: Ich habe vor, dich zu besuchen (I intend to visit you).zu does not disrupt this unity.zu therefore functions as a precise indicator of the verb's inherent prefixed nature.Formation Pattern
zu infinitive with separable verbs adheres to a strictly consistent and predictable pattern. This systematic approach ensures that once you accurately identify a separable verb, you can reliably construct its correct infinitive form for deployment in various zu clauses. Precision in identifying the components is paramount for accurate construction.
ab- (away): abfahren (to depart)
an- (on/at/begin): anrufen (to call)
auf- (up/open): aufmachen (to open)
aus- (out): ausgehen (to go out)
ein- (in): einkaufen (to shop)
mit- (with): mitkommen (to come along)
nach- (after/re-): nachfragen (to inquire)
vor- (before/forward): vorbereiten (to prepare)
weg- (away): weggehen (to go away)
zu- (to/closed): zuhören (to listen)
zu.
anfangen (to begin), the components are an- (prefix) and fangen (base verb).
fernsehen (to watch TV), the components are fern- (prefix) and sehen (base verb).
zu and Recombine: The final step involves inserting zu directly between the identified prefix and the base verb stem, then fusing all three constituent parts into a single, cohesive compound word. Crucially, no spaces are to be inserted within this newly formed compound. The result is a unified infinitive.
an + zu + fangen = anzufangen
fern + zu + sehen = fernzusehen
ausmachen (to turn off), the verb transforms into auszumachen: Ich habe vergessen, das Licht auszumachen. The compact nature of these formed words efficiently conveys complex ideas within single lexical units, a characteristic feature of German.
zu Infinitive Form | Example Sentence |
einkaufen | ein- | kaufen | einzukaufen | Es ist wichtig, Brot einzukaufen. |
aufmachen | auf- | machen | aufzumachen | Vergiss nicht, die Tür aufzumachen. |
mitkommen | mit- | kommen | mitzukommen | Hast du Lust, mitzukommen? |
fernsehen | fern- | sehen | fernzusehen | Ich habe keine Zeit, heute fernzusehen. |
zuhören | zu- | hören | zuzuhören | Es ist wichtig, gut zuzuhören. |
vorbereiten | vor- | bereiten | vorzubereiten | Wir müssen uns vorzubereiten. |
anfangen | an- | fangen | anzufangen | Es ist schwer, etwas Neues anzufangen. |
abholen | ab- | holen | abzuholen | Ich muss meine Tochter abzuholen. |
When To Use It
zu are integral for constructing more complex German sentences, enabling the expression of purpose, intention, obligation, or possibility. The zu sandwich construction becomes grammatically necessary whenever a separable verb is employed within such a clause. Mastery of these scenarios is essential for accurate communication.- 1After Certain Governing Verbs: A substantial number of main verbs mandate an infinitive clause introduced by
zuto complete their meaning. These verbs typically express actions or states such as trying, planning, forgetting, beginning, hoping, or advising.
versuchen(to try):Ich versuche, pünktlich anzukommen.(I am trying to arrive on time.)planen(to plan):Wir planen, nächste Woche umzuziehen.(We are planning to move next week.)vergessen(to forget):Er hat vergessen, mich anzurufen.(He forgot to call me.)beginnen(to begin):Sie beginnen, die Arbeit aufzunehmen.(They are beginning to take up the work.)hoffen(to hope):Ich hoffe, dich bald wiederzusehen.(I hope to see you again soon.)scheinen(to seem):Es scheint, sich auszuzahlen.(It seems to pay off.)vorhaben(to intend):Was hast du vor, heute Abend auszugehen?(What do you intend to go out tonight?)
zu infinitive construction.- 1With Nouns combined with
haben: Expressions formed byhaben(to have) followed by a noun (often abstract) frequently require an infinitive clause to specify the precise nature of what one possesses (e.g., time, opportunity, desire).
die Zeit haben(to have time):Hast du Zeit, uns abzuholen?(Do you have time to pick us up?)die Lust haben(to feel like):Ich habe keine Lust, heute Abend wegzugehen.(I do not feel like going out tonight.)die Gelegenheit haben(to have the opportunity):Sie hatte die Gelegenheit, daran teilzunehmen.(She had the opportunity to participate in it.)die Absicht haben(to intend):Er hat die Absicht, seine Reise anzutreten.(He intends to start his journey.)
- 1With Adjectives following
es ist: Impersonal constructions utilizinges ist(it is) paired with an adjective commonly introduce an infinitive clause to elaborate on what is important, difficult, easy, or necessary.
Es ist wichtig(It is important):Es ist wichtig, gut zuzuhören.(It is important to listen well.)Es ist schwer(It is difficult):Es ist schwer, den Anfang zu finden.(It is difficult to find the beginning.)Es ist einfach(It is easy):Es ist einfach, Fehler zu machen.(It is easy to make mistakes.)Es ist nötig(It is necessary):Es ist nötig, die Formulare auszufüllen.(It is necessary to fill out the forms.)
- 1
um...zuClauses (Purpose): These specialized clauses explicitly express the purpose or goal of an action, translating to "in order to" or "so as to."
Ich lerne Deutsch, um im Ausland arbeiten zu können.(I am learning German in order to be able to work abroad.)Er spart Geld, um ein neues Auto anzuschaffen.(He is saving money in order to buy a new car.)Wir treffen uns, um Details abzusprechen.(We are meeting in order to discuss details.)
können is a modal verb; when a modal verb is part of an um...zu construction, the zu precedes the entire modal and infinitive. However, if the main verb within the um...zu structure is separable, the zu sandwich applies to it directly.- 1
ohne...zuClauses (Without doing something): These clauses indicate that an action occurs without a simultaneous or preceding action.
Sie ging, ohne sich umzusehen.(She left without looking around.)Er aß den Kuchen, ohne ihn anzufassen.(He ate the cake without touching it.)Man kann nichts lernen, ohne Fehler zu machen.(One cannot learn anything without making mistakes.)
- 1
statt...zuClauses (Instead of doing something): These clauses express an alternative action that was performed instead of another.
Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen.(He is reading a book instead of watching TV.)Sie arbeitet, statt auszugehen.(She is working instead of going out.)Du solltest dich hinsetzen, statt herumzulaufen.(You should sit down instead of walking around.)
zu infinitive clause is often obligatory, particularly when the clause includes elements beyond just the infinitive (e.g., an object or an adverbial phrase). This comma serves to structurally delineate the main clause from the dependent infinitive clause.Common Mistakes
zu sandwich rule with separable verbs. Recognizing these common pitfalls and understanding their underlying causes can significantly accelerate your mastery of this construction.- 1Incorrect
zuPlacement (e.g.,zu anrufeninstead ofanzurufen):
- The Error: This is the most prevalent mistake. Learners incorrectly place
zubefore the entire separable verb, treating it as if it were an inseparable verb. For instance, writingIch habe vergessen, zu anrufen. - The Explanation: Separable verbs retain their prefix's independent meaning and stress.
zumust be inserted to grammatically bind the entire conceptual unit (prefix + zu + stem) as the infinitive. Placingzuat the beginning (zu anrufen) incorrectly impliesanrufenis an inseparable verb likebesuchen(where it would bezu besuchen). Remember the core structural difference: separable prefixes separate in main clauses, inseparable ones do not. - Correction: Always insert
zubetween the separable prefix and the verb stem.
- 1Forgetting the Comma before
zuClauses:
- The Error: Omitting the necessary comma before an infinitive clause, especially in more complex sentences. For example,
Es ist wichtig gut zuzuhören. - The Explanation: German grammar mandates a comma before
zuinfinitive clauses under specific conditions. A comma is mandatory if thezu-infinitive clause contains: - An explicit subject (which is rare, but possible if the subject refers to something other than the main clause's subject).
- An object (direct or indirect).
- An adverbial phrase (e.g.,
gutingut zuzuhören). - Is introduced by
um,ohne, orstatt. - Correction:
Es ist wichtig, gut zuzuhören.If the clause consists solely ofzu+ infinitive directly following a verb (e.g.,Ich versuche zu schlafen), the comma is optional but generally recommended for clarity.
- 1Misidentifying Separable vs. Inseparable Verbs:
- The Error: Confusing a separable prefix with an inseparable one, leading to incorrect
zuplacement. A common example is with verbs likeumfahrenorübersetzen, which can be both depending on stress and meaning. - The Explanation: The key distinction lies in stress and semantic contribution. Separable prefixes are stressed (e.g.,
ANrufen), and often have a concrete, independent meaning (direction, completion). Inseparable prefixes are unstressed (e.g.,beSUCHen) and are intrinsically bound to the verb's core meaning. If unsure, pronounce the verb: if the prefix is stressed, it's typically separable. - Correction: Learn common separable and inseparable prefixes. When encountering ambiguous verbs (e.g.,
umfahren-UMfahrento drive around,um**FAHRENto run over), pay close attention to context and stress. A dictionary will usually indicate separability.
- 1Treating the
zuSandwich as Two Words (e.g.,an zu fangen):
- The Error: Inserting a space between the prefix,
zu, and the verb stem, rendering it as multiple words rather than a single compound. - The Explanation: The
zusandwich forms a single, cohesive word. This compounding reflects the grammatical function: the prefix,zu, and the stem unite to form a single infinitive unit that functions as one lexical item. Spaces break this linguistic unity. - Correction: Always write the
zusandwich as one compound word without spaces:an+zu+fangen=anzufangen.
- 1Overuse or Underuse of
zuInfinitives:
- The Error: Using
zuwhen a simple infinitive is required (e.g., with modal verbs) or failing to use it when an infinitive clause is needed to express purpose, intention, etc. - The Explanation: Remember that modal verbs (
können,müssen,wollen,sollen,dürfen,mögen) never takezuwith their infinitive complements (e.g.,Ich muss einkaufen.notIch muss einzukaufen). Thezuinfinitive construction serves specific grammatical functions that cannot be replaced by simple infinitives or full subordinate clauses in certain contexts. - Correction: Distinguish between contexts requiring simple infinitives (e.g., after modals) and those requiring
zuinfinitive clauses.
Real Conversations
Understanding how the zu sandwich appears in authentic, modern German communication is crucial for practical application. Textbook examples are foundational, but real usage often reflects nuances in tone and context. Here are some examples from various informal and formal settings:
1. Texting/Chat Messages (informal):
- Hey, hab vergessen, dich anzurufen! (Hey, I forgot to call you!)
- Ich hab voll Bock, heute Abend auszugehen. (I really feel like going out tonight.)
- Muss noch schnell Brot einkaufen. (Gotta quickly buy bread/shop.)
- Keine Zeit, das jetzt anzufangen. (No time to start that now.)
- Kannst du mir helfen, das WLAN einzurichten? (Can you help me set up the Wi-Fi?)
- Ich versuche, pünktlich anzukommen. (I'm trying to arrive on time.)
2. Social Media Comments/Posts (semi-informal):
- Mega Tipp, um Stress abzubauen! (Was ein cleverer Trick!) (Great tip to relieve stress! (What a clever trick!))
- Manchmal ist es schwer, morgens aufzustehen. (Sometimes it's hard to get up in the morning.)
- Ich liebe es, neue Sachen auszuprobieren. (I love trying new things.)
- Eine gute Gelegenheit, mal wieder wegzufahren. (A good opportunity to get away again.)
3. Work Emails/Formal Communication (formal):
- Bitte denken Sie daran, den Bericht bis Freitag einzureichen. (Please remember to submit the report by Friday.)
- Es ist wichtig, alle Details vorab abzusprechen. (It is important to discuss all details beforehand.)
- Wir planen, das Projekt nächste Woche anzugehen. (We plan to tackle the project next week.)
- Ich bitte Sie, sich vorzubereiten. (I ask you to prepare yourself.)
4. Casual Conversation (spoken):
- Könntest du mir helfen, den Schrank aufzubauen? (Could you help me assemble the cabinet?)
- Ich hab keine Zeit, jetzt anzufangen. (I don't have time to start now.)
- Hast du Lust, heute Abend mit auszugehen? (Do you feel like going out tonight?)
- Es ist so schön, hier dazusitzen und die Sonne zu genießen. (It's so nice to sit here and enjoy the sun.)
- Versuch mal, dich nicht so aufzuregen. (Try not to get so worked up/agitated.)
Notice how the zu sandwich seamlessly integrates into these sentences, maintaining the verb's meaning while marking it as an infinitive clause. The comma rule is often followed in written communication but can be less strict in very informal contexts like texting, though it is always grammatically correct to include it.
Quick FAQ
zu sandwich with separable verbs.- Q: What is the easiest way to know if a verb is separable?
- A: The most reliable indicator is stress. If the prefix carries the primary stress when the verb is pronounced (e.g.,
ANrufen), it is almost certainly separable. Inseparable prefixes are unstressed (e.g.,beSUCHen). When in doubt, consult a dictionary; it will typically mark separable prefixes with a dot or an explicit note.
- Q: Does the comma always come before the
zuinfinitive? - A: Not always, but in most cases, yes. A comma is mandatory if the
zu-infinitive clause contains an object (direct or indirect) or an adverbial phrase, or if it is introduced byum,ohne, orstatt. If the clause consists solely ofzu+ infinitive directly after a main verb, the comma is technically optional but highly recommended for clarity and common practice in formal writing.
- Q: Are there any exceptions to the
zusandwich rule for separable verbs? - A: No, for verbs that are genuinely separable verbs, the
zusandwich rule (insertingzubetween the prefix and the stem) is consistently applied inzuinfinitive constructions. The primary challenge lies in correctly identifying whether a verb is separable in the first place.
- Q: How does this differ from modal verbs?
- A: Modal verbs (
können,müssen,wollen,sollen,dürfen,mögen) never usezuwith their infinitive complements. For example,Ich muss einkaufen(I have to shop) is correct, notIch muss einzukaufen. Thezusandwich rule applies to main verbs that govern an infinitive clause, not to the infinitive directly following a modal verb.
- Q: What about verbs that can be both separable and inseparable, like
umfahren(to drive around vs. to run over)? - A: These verbs are fascinating because their meaning changes depending on whether the prefix is separable (stressed) or inseparable (unstressed). The
zuplacement will strictly follow the rule for its current behavior. Ifumfahrenmeans "to drive around" (separable,UMfahren), it becomesumzufahren. If it means "to run over" (inseparable,um**FAHREN), it becomeszu umfahren. The context and the intended meaning dictate the correctzuplacement.
The 'zu' Sandwich Formation
| Prefix | zu | Verb Root | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
an
|
zu
|
fangen
|
anzufangen
|
|
auf
|
zu
|
stehen
|
aufzustehen
|
|
ein
|
zu
|
kaufen
|
einzukaufen
|
|
aus
|
zu
|
machen
|
auszumachen
|
|
mit
|
zu
|
kommen
|
mitzukommen
|
|
zurück
|
zu
|
rufen
|
zurückzurufen
|
Meanings
This structure is used when you need to express an infinitive clause using a separable verb, such as 'to start' or 'to call up'.
Infinitive Clause
Used after modal verbs or specific phrases like 'haben Zeit zu'.
“Ich versuche, das Licht auszuschalten.”
“Es ist wichtig, früh aufzustehen.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
zu + separable
|
Ich versuche anzufangen.
|
|
Negative
|
nicht + zu + separable
|
Ich versuche nicht anzufangen.
|
|
Modal
|
Modal + zu + separable
|
Ich muss anzufangen versuchen.
|
|
Question
|
Verb + ... + zu + separable
|
Willst du mitzukommen?
|
|
Past
|
haben + zu + separable
|
Ich habe vergessen anzurufen.
|
|
Reflexive
|
zu + reflexive + separable
|
Ich versuche mich aufzuraffen.
|
Formality Spectrum
Ich plane, damit anzufangen. (Professional vs. Casual)
Ich habe vor, anzufangen. (Professional vs. Casual)
Ich will anfangen. (Professional vs. Casual)
Ich fang mal an. (Professional vs. Casual)
The Sandwich Anatomy
Prefix
- an on/at
Infix
- zu to
Root
- fangen catch
Examples by Level
Ich muss aufstehen.
I have to get up.
Ich versuche, aufzustehen.
I am trying to get up.
Ich will einkaufen.
I want to shop.
Ich habe Zeit, einzukaufen.
I have time to shop.
Es ist wichtig, anzufangen.
It is important to start.
Hast du Lust, mitzukommen?
Do you feel like coming along?
Vergiss nicht, anzurufen!
Don't forget to call!
Ich plane, auszuschlafen.
I plan to sleep in.
Er hat versprochen, das Licht auszumachen.
He promised to turn off the light.
Es ist schwierig, sich zurechtzufinden.
It is difficult to find one's way.
Sie versucht, das Paket zurückzuschicken.
She is trying to send the package back.
Wir haben vor, heute Abend wegzugehen.
We intend to go out tonight.
Es ist unerlässlich, die Probleme anzusprechen.
It is essential to address the problems.
Er weigert sich, die Entscheidung mitzutragen.
He refuses to support the decision.
Sie scheint bereit, das Angebot anzunehmen.
She seems ready to accept the offer.
Es ist ratsam, die Kosten einzurechnen.
It is advisable to include the costs.
Man sollte nicht zögern, die Wahrheit auszusprechen.
One should not hesitate to speak the truth.
Es gilt, die neuen Richtlinien umzusetzen.
It is necessary to implement the new guidelines.
Er hat die Absicht, das Projekt fortzuführen.
He intends to continue the project.
Es ist an der Zeit, die Missstände aufzudecken.
It is time to uncover the grievances.
Es ist ein Unterfangen, die Komplexität zu durchschauen.
It is an endeavor to see through the complexity.
Man ist bestrebt, die Traditionen fortzusetzen.
One strives to continue the traditions.
Es ist geboten, die Konsequenzen abzuwägen.
It is required to weigh the consequences.
Er vermochte es, die Massen mitzureißen.
He was able to carry the masses along.
Easily Confused
Learners think they need 'zu' with modal verbs.
Learners try to split non-separable verbs.
Learners put 'zu' in front of separable verbs.
Common Mistakes
zu anfangen
anzufangen
an zu fangen
anzufangen
anfangen zu
anzufangen
zu aufstehen
aufzustehen
mit zu kommen
mitzukommen
zu mitkommen
mitzukommen
einzukaufen gehen
einzukaufen
zurück zu rufen
zurückzurufen
zu zurückrufen
zurückzurufen
aufzustehen versuchen
aufzustehen
umzusetzen zu
umzusetzen
zu umzusetzen
umzusetzen
fort zu führen
fortzuführen
Sentence Patterns
Ich habe vor, ___ zu ___.
Es ist wichtig, ___ zu ___.
Ich vergesse oft, ___ zu ___.
Versuchst du, ___ zu ___?
Real World Usage
Vergiss nicht, anzurufen!
Ich plane, das Projekt anzufangen.
Ich muss das Licht ausmachen.
Lust, mitzukommen?
Ich habe vor, einzukaufen.
Ich würde mich freuen, Sie anzusprechen.
The Sandwich Rule
No Modals!
One Word Only
Smart Tips
Think 'Sandwich': Prefix + zu + Verb.
Always check if your verb is separable.
Pause slightly before the prefix if you need to remember the rule.
Look for the 'zu' inside the word.
Pronunciation
Stress
The stress remains on the prefix.
Rising
Willst du mitzukommen↑
Questioning tone
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'zu' as the meat in a sandwich, placed between the two bread slices (prefix and verb).
Visual Association
Imagine a slice of bread (prefix), a slice of ham labeled 'zu', and another slice of bread (verb). You press them together to make one big sandwich.
Rhyme
Prefix first, then 'zu' inside, the verb root follows for the ride.
Story
Hans wanted to call his friend. He held the phone. He remembered the rule: 'an' + 'zu' + 'rufen'. He shouted 'anzurufen!' and the phone magically connected.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using separable verbs with 'zu' in the next 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Germans value precision. Using the 'zu' sandwich correctly shows you respect the language structure.
Austrians use similar structures but may use different regional verbs.
Swiss German speakers often use 'zu' constructions in formal writing.
The 'zu' particle comes from the preposition 'zu' (to).
Conversation Starters
Was hast du heute vor einzukaufen?
Hast du vergessen, jemanden anzurufen?
Ist es schwer, früh aufzustehen?
Wann fängst du an zu arbeiten?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich habe keine Zeit, ___ (anzufangen).
___ (aufzustehen / zu aufstehen) ist schwer.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich versuche, mit zu kommen.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I plan to shop.
Answer starts with: Ich...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
ausmachen -> ?
Ich / versuchen / zurückrufen
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch habe keine Zeit, ___ (anzufangen).
___ (aufzustehen / zu aufstehen) ist schwer.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich versuche, mit zu kommen.
anzurufen / Ich / vergessen / habe
I plan to shop.
aufstehen -> ?
ausmachen -> ?
Ich / versuchen / zurückrufen
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesZeit / Ich / habe / nicht / aufzuräumen / .
I forgot to call you.
Hast du Lust, heute Abend ___?
Match the following:
Pick the correct sentence for 'stopping'.
Es ist schwer, früh zu aufstehen.
Vergiss nicht, Pizza ___.
Lust / Hast / du / mitzukommen / ?
I intend to participate.
It's worth checking out the app.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It's a German syntactic rule to keep the prefix and verb together while incorporating 'zu'.
Yes, every separable verb follows this rule in an infinitive clause.
Then you just put 'zu' in front, like 'zu besuchen'.
Yes, 'nicht' goes before the entire 'zu' construction.
It's used in all registers.
Modal verbs don't use 'zu'.
Yes, always one word.
Look for prefixes like 'an-', 'auf-', 'aus-'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
a + infinitive
German splits the verb; Spanish does not.
à/de + infinitive
German infixation vs French prefixation.
to + verb
German forces a split; English keeps the phrasal verb together.
verb-te form + koto
German is prefix-based; Japanese is suffix-based.
an + verb
German splits the verb; Arabic does not.
verb + particle
German is structural; Chinese is aspectual.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Separable Prefix Verbs: The Great Word Divorce (trennbare Verben)
Overview German `trennbare Verben` (separable prefix verbs) are a cornerstone of effective communication in the language...
Connecting Actions: The 'zu' + Infinitive Construction
Overview The `zu` + infinitive construction in German is a powerful and frequently used grammatical structure that allow...
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