Connecting Actions: The 'zu' + Infinitive Construction
zu before the final verb to express plans, hopes, and opinions naturally in German.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'zu' + infinitive to connect two actions when the subject is the same in both parts of the sentence.
- Place 'zu' directly before the infinitive verb at the end of the clause: 'Ich versuche, {das|n} Buch zu lesen.'
- If the verb has a separable prefix, put 'zu' between the prefix and the verb: 'Ich vergesse nicht, einzukaufen.'
- The infinitive clause is usually separated from the main clause by a comma.
Overview
The zu + infinitive construction in German is a powerful and frequently used grammatical structure that allows you to connect two actions or states pertaining to the same subject into a single, more concise sentence. Its primary function is to express a dependent action that completes the meaning of a main clause, often conveying intentions, plans, purposes, opinions, or even consequences. This construction streamlines sentence formation by keeping the second verb, which describes the dependent action, in its infinitive form, always preceded by the particle zu.
Mastering this pattern is essential for progressing beyond basic sentence structures and articulating more nuanced thoughts in German, as it serves as a linguistic bridge between two related verbal concepts.
From a linguistic perspective, the zu + infinitive functions as an infinitive clause (Infinitivsatz). Unlike a full subordinate clause, it typically lacks a conjugated verb and a separate subject, thereby achieving grammatical economy. This reduction of verbal elements makes sentences more fluid and less repetitive.
It is particularly prevalent when the implied subject of both the main action and the infinitive action is identical, preventing the redundancy that would arise from a full subordinate clause. For instance, instead of Ich habe die Absicht. Ich lerne Deutsch. (I have the intention.
I learn German.), you can say the more compact Ich habe die Absicht, Deutsch zu lernen. (I have the intention to learn German.). This illustrates how the zu + infinitive construction enhances both comprehension and your ability to produce more sophisticated, native-sounding German. It’s an indispensable feature for clarity and efficient communication, helping you convey complex ideas with precision.
How This Grammar Works
zu + infinitive construction is that the subject performing both the main action and the infinitive action must be identical. This grammatical rule prevents ambiguity and streamlines expression. If the subjects differ, you typically cannot use this construction and would instead rely on a dass-clause or other subordinate structures.zu always immediately precedes the infinitive verb, which remains in its base, unconjugated form, and is placed at the very end of the infinitive clause. This fixed position is crucial and mirrors the placement of conjugated verbs in other German dependent clauses.zu + infinitive structure. This creates a clear and predictable sentence flow.Er versucht, jeden Tag Deutsch zu sprechen. (He tries to speak German every day.). Here, Er is the subject of both versucht (tries) and sprechen (to speak). The zu acts as an infinitive marker, signaling that sprechen is the dependent infinitive.jeden Tag Deutsch (German every day) functions as an adverbial and object phrase within the infinitive clause, placed before the final zu sprechen. This structure ensures that the entire dependent thought is encapsulated efficiently.zu + Infinitive |Ich versuche (I try) | , | diesen Text genau (this text precisely) | zu verstehen. (to understand.) |Es ist wichtig (It is important) | , | immer höflich (always polite) | zu sein. (to be.) |Hast du die Absicht (Do you intend) | , | heute Abend ins Kino (to the cinema tonight) | zu gehen? (to go?) |Formation Pattern
zu + infinitive construction requires adherence to a consistent pattern, with a critical distinction for separable verbs. The basic structure involves a main clause, typically followed by a comma, then any objects, adverbs, or other complements associated with the second action, and finally the zu particle immediately preceding the infinitive verb at the very end of the dependent clause.
Sie hat geplant, ... (She planned, ...)
Sie hat geplant,
Sie hat geplant, nächstes Jahr eine Reise nach Japan zu machen. (nächstes Jahr eine Reise nach Japan are complements for machen).
zu immediately before the infinitive verb: This zu is integral to the construction and serves as an infinitive marker, not a preposition. It never changes its form.
Sie hat geplant, nächstes Jahr eine Reise nach Japan zu machen.
trennbare Verben)
anrufen (to call up), einkaufen (to shop), mitkommen (to come along), vorbereiten (to prepare)), the particle zu is inserted between the separable prefix and the verb stem. This forms a single, merged word, reflecting that the prefix and stem belong together conceptually, even when separated in certain tenses. Ignoring this rule is a frequent grammatical error.
zu + Stem | Example Sentence |
anrufen | anzurufen | Ich verspreche, dich später anzurufen. (I promise to call you later.) |
einkaufen | einzukaufen | Wir haben die Zeit, noch schnell einzukaufen. (We have time to quickly shop.) |
mitkommen | mitzukommen | Er plant, am Wochenende zum Konzert mitzukommen. (He plans to come along to the concert on the weekend.) |
vorbereiten | vorzubereiten | Es ist wichtig, die Präsentation gut vorzubereiten. (It is important to prepare the presentation well.) |
zu, and the verb stem into one compound word for all separable verbs. This maintains the integrity of the separable verb while correctly integrating the infinitive marker.
When To Use It
zu + infinitive construction is used in specific grammatical contexts where the action expressed by the infinitive clause is inherently dependent on, or further clarifies, the meaning of the main clause. The fundamental condition, as always, is that the subject of both actions is the same. Here are the most common scenarios:- 1After Certain Verbs: A distinct set of verbs frequently trigger the
zu+ infinitive construction. These verbs typically express an intention, an attempt, a decision, a hope, a belief, or the beginning/end of an action. They are verbs that inherently suggest or require a subsequent action to complete their meaning.
- Verbs of Intention/Planning:
planen(to plan),vorhaben(to intend),beabsichtigen(to intend) Sie plant, nächstes Jahr nach Berlin zu ziehen.(She plans to move to Berlin next year.)- Verbs of Attempt/Effort:
versuchen(to try),sich bemühen(to make an effort) Er versucht, den Fehler zu finden.(He tries to find the mistake.)- Verbs of Beginning/Ending:
beginnen/anfangen(to begin/start),aufhören(to stop) Sie beginnt, Deutsch zu lernen.(She starts to learn German.)Er hat aufgehört, Kaffee zu trinken.(He stopped drinking coffee.)- Verbs of Decision:
beschließen/entscheiden(to decide) Wir beschließen, ins Kino zu gehen.(We decide to go to the cinema.)- Verbs of Hope/Expectation:
hoffen(to hope),erwarten(to expect) Ich hoffe, dich bald wieder zu sehen.(I hope to see you again soon.)- Verbs of Remembering/Forgetting:
vergessen(to forget),erinnern(to remember) Ich habe vergessen, die E-Mail zu senden.(I forgot to send the email.)- Verbs of Feeling/Emotion (with reflexive pronouns):
sich freuen(to look forward to/be happy about),sich weigern(to refuse) Ich freue mich, euch wieder zu treffen.(I am happy to meet you again.)
- 1After Phrases Involving
haben+ Noun: Many common expressions combine the verbhabenwith a noun to describe a state, opportunity, desire, or difficulty, which then naturally leads to azu+ infinitive clause. This is a common German idiom, where English might use a different construction.
Angst haben(to be afraid):Er hat Angst, allein zu reisen.(He is afraid to travel alone.)Gelegenheit haben(to have the opportunity):Sie hat die Gelegenheit, im Ausland zu arbeiten.(She has the opportunity to work abroad.)Lust haben(to feel like/have desire):Hast du Lust, heute Abend Pizza zu essen?(Do you feel like eating pizza tonight?)Zeit haben(to have time):Wir haben keine Zeit, lange zu warten.(We have no time to wait long.)die Absicht haben(to have the intention):Ich habe die Absicht, nach Deutschland zu fliegen.(I have the intention to fly to Germany.)
- 1After
Es ist+ Adjective/Noun: This structure is used to express opinions, assessments, or general statements about the nature of an action, often impersonal. It’s a very common way to give feedback or state objective truths.
Es ist einfach, ...(It is easy to...):Es ist einfach, diese Regel zu lernen.(It is easy to learn this rule.)Es ist schwer, ...(It is difficult to...):Es ist schwer, die Prüfung zu bestehen.(It is difficult to pass the exam.)Es ist wichtig, ...(It is important to...):Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.(It is important to be on time.)Es ist schön, ...(It is nice to...):Es ist schön, dich wieder zu treffen.(It is nice to meet you again.)Es ist verboten, ...(It is forbidden to...):Es ist verboten, hier zu rauchen.(It is forbidden to smoke here.)
- 1After Adjectives Expressing Readiness or Ability: Certain adjectives indicating a state of being ready or able often take the
zu+ infinitive construction.
bereit sein(to be ready):Ich bin bereit, dir zu helfen.(I am ready to help you.)fertig sein(to be finished/ready):Wir sind fertig, jetzt zu gehen.(We are ready to go now.)
zu + infinitive construction in your own German sentences.Common Mistakes
zu + infinitive construction is a frequent source of error for German learners, often due to overgeneralization or interference from English grammar. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial for accurate usage and for developing a more native-like proficiency.- 1Using
zuwith Modal Verbs: This is arguably the most common and significant error. Modal verbs (können,müssen,wollen,sollen,dürfen,mögen) never takezuwith a dependent infinitive. This is because modal verbs inherently express a modality (ability, necessity, desire, permission, etc.) that acts directly on the main action, making thezuredundant. They already function as auxiliary verbs in this context, directly combining with a main infinitive.
- Incorrect:
Ich muss zu arbeiten. - Correct:
Ich muss arbeiten.(I must work.) - Incorrect:
Er will zu essen. - Correct:
Er will essen.(He wants to eat.)
zu specifically marks an infinitive that completes a non-modal main verb or phrase (like planen or Angst haben). Modal verbs handle this completion intrinsically.- 1Different Subjects for Main and Infinitive Actions: The same-subject rule is fundamental. If the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the intended infinitive action, you cannot use
zu+ infinitive. Instead, you typically need adass-clause or other constructions that introduce a new subject.
- Incorrect (if you mean they should come):
Ich erwarte, zu kommen.(This means I expect myself to come.) - Correct (if you mean they should come):
Ich erwarte, dass sie kommt/kommen.(I expect that she/they will come.) - Correct (if you mean I should come):
Ich erwarte, zu kommen.(I expect to come.)
zu + infinitive.- 1Incorrect
zuPlacement with Separable Verbs: As detailed in the formation section,zumust be inserted between the prefix and the stem of a separable verb, forming a single word. Failure to do so is a clear grammatical error.
- Incorrect:
Ich habe geplant, an zu rufen. - Correct:
Ich habe geplant, anzurufen.(I planned to call.) - Incorrect:
Es ist schwierig, auf zu stehen. - Correct:
Es ist schwierig, aufzustehen.(It is difficult to get up.)
- 1Incorrect Comma Usage: While less critical than modal verb errors, consistent comma placement is part of correct German orthography. Learners sometimes omit the comma when it is required, particularly with longer infinitive clauses.
- Incorrect (for clarity):
Ich hoffe dich bald zu sehen. - Correct:
Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen.
zu + infinitive, as this clearly delineates the two parts of the sentence and prevents potential misreadings.- 1Confusing
zuas an Infinitive Marker withzuas a Preposition: Thezuinzu+ infinitive is a grammatical particle, not the prepositionzu(meaning
Formation of Infinitive Clauses
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
Verb + , + zu + Inf
|
Ich versuche, zu lernen.
|
|
Separable
|
Verb + , + Prefix + zu + Stem
|
Ich fange an, einzukaufen.
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + , + nicht + zu + Inf
|
Ich versuche, nicht zu rauchen.
|
|
Reflexive
|
Verb + , + Reflexive Pronoun + zu + Inf
|
Ich freue mich, mich zu treffen.
|
|
Perfect
|
Verb + , + Participle + zu + haben/sein
|
Ich scheine, gegessen zu haben.
|
|
Modal
|
Verb + , + zu + Modal + Inf
|
Ich hoffe, schwimmen zu können.
|
Meanings
The 'zu' + infinitive construction allows you to combine two clauses into one when they share the same subject, making your German sound more fluid and natural.
Purpose or Intention
Expressing what you intend or plan to do.
“Ich plane, nach Berlin zu fahren.”
“Er versucht, pünktlich zu sein.”
Necessity or Obligation
Expressing what needs to be done.
“Es ist wichtig, {die|f} Vokabeln zu lernen.”
“Du hast keine Zeit, zu spielen.”
Ability or Desire
Expressing the capacity or wish to perform an action.
“Ich habe {die|f} Absicht, Deutsch zu lernen.”
“Sie hat {die|f} Hoffnung, bald zu reisen.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Main Clause + , + zu + Inf
|
Ich plane, zu reisen.
|
|
Negative
|
Main Clause + , + nicht + zu + Inf
|
Ich versuche, nicht zu spät zu kommen.
|
|
Separable
|
Main Clause + , + [prefix]zu[stem]
|
Ich vergesse, einzukaufen.
|
|
Reflexive
|
Main Clause + , + [pronoun]zu[inf]
|
Ich versuche, mich zu entspannen.
|
|
Perfect
|
Main Clause + , + [participle]zu[haben/sein]
|
Ich scheine, geschlafen zu haben.
|
|
Modal
|
Main Clause + , + zu + [modal] + [inf]
|
Ich hoffe, kommen zu können.
|
Formality Spectrum
Ich beabsichtige, nach Hause zu gehen. (Leaving a party)
Ich möchte nach Hause gehen. (Leaving a party)
Ich will nach Hause. (Leaving a party)
Ich hau ab. (Leaving a party)
The 'zu' Infinitive Map
Triggers
- versuchen to try
- planen to plan
- vergessen to forget
Rules
- Comma Mandatory
- Same Subject Required
- End Position Verb at end
Examples by Level
Ich versuche, zu lernen.
I try to learn.
Ich habe Lust, zu essen.
I feel like eating.
Ich vergesse, zu fragen.
I forget to ask.
Ich hoffe, zu gewinnen.
I hope to win.
Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.
It is important to be on time.
Ich habe vor, heute einzukaufen.
I plan to go shopping today.
Er versucht, nicht zu spät zu kommen.
He tries not to arrive too late.
Sie hat keine Zeit, fernzusehen.
She has no time to watch TV.
Es fällt mir schwer, mich zu konzentrieren.
It is hard for me to concentrate.
Ich habe {die|f} Absicht, nächstes Jahr umzuziehen.
I intend to move next year.
Es ist verboten, hier zu parken.
It is forbidden to park here.
Ich freue mich darauf, dich zu sehen.
I am looking forward to seeing you.
Es ist ratsam, {die|f} Bedingungen genau zu prüfen.
It is advisable to check the conditions carefully.
Er scheint, {die|f} Situation völlig unterschätzt zu haben.
He seems to have completely underestimated the situation.
Es ist nicht leicht, {die|f} Wahrheit zu sagen.
It is not easy to tell the truth.
Wir haben {die|f} Hoffnung, {das|n} Projekt abzuschließen.
We have the hope to complete the project.
Es gilt, {die|f} Herausforderungen gemeinsam zu meistern.
It is a matter of mastering the challenges together.
Er vermied es, auf {die|f} Frage einzugehen.
He avoided addressing the question.
Es ist unumgänglich, {die|f} Strategie anzupassen.
It is inevitable to adapt the strategy.
Sie verstand es, {die|f} Zuschauer zu fesseln.
She knew how to captivate the audience.
Es ist müßig, über {das|n} Vergangene zu lamentieren.
It is idle to lament the past.
Er pflegte, {die|f} Bibliothek täglich zu besuchen.
He used to visit the library daily.
Es ist geboten, {die|f} Sorgfaltspflicht zu wahren.
It is required to maintain the duty of care.
Sie vermochte, {die|f} Komplexität zu durchdringen.
She was able to penetrate the complexity.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'dass' even when the subject is the same.
Modal verbs don't take 'zu', but other verbs do.
Both use 'zu', but 'um... zu' expresses purpose.
Common Mistakes
Ich versuche zu essen.
Ich versuche, zu essen.
Ich versuche essen zu.
Ich versuche, zu essen.
Ich versuche, dass ich esse.
Ich versuche, zu essen.
Ich zu essen versuche.
Ich versuche, zu essen.
Ich fange zu einkaufen an.
Ich fange an, einzukaufen.
Ich habe vor, dass ich einkaufe.
Ich habe vor, einzukaufen.
Er vergisst, einzukaufen.
Er vergisst, einzukaufen.
Es ist wichtig, nicht zu nicht kommen.
Es ist wichtig, nicht zu kommen.
Ich hoffe, zu können kommen.
Ich hoffe, kommen zu können.
Ich habe die Absicht, dass ich gehe.
Ich habe die Absicht, zu gehen.
Es gilt, zu meistern die Herausforderungen.
Es gilt, die Herausforderungen zu meistern.
Er vermied es, einzugehen auf die Frage.
Er vermied es, auf die Frage einzugehen.
Es ist unumgänglich, anzupassen die Strategie.
Es ist unumgänglich, die Strategie anzupassen.
Sentence Patterns
Ich versuche, ___ zu ___.
Es ist wichtig, ___ zu ___.
Ich habe vor, ___ zu ___.
Es fällt mir schwer, ___ zu ___.
Real World Usage
Hast du Lust, heute zu kommen?
Ich freue mich, bei Ihnen zu arbeiten.
Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, {das|n} Besteck einzupacken.
Versuche, positiv zu bleiben!
Es ist verboten, {die|f} Gleise zu betreten.
Ich hoffe, bald von Ihnen zu hören.
The Comma Rule
Separable Verbs
Subject Check
Politeness
Smart Tips
Check if the subject is the same. If yes, use 'zu'.
Remember the 'zu' goes inside.
Use 'zu' to keep sentences concise.
Put 'nicht' before 'zu'.
Pronunciation
Comma pause
Pause slightly before the 'zu' to emphasize the start of the infinitive clause.
Rising-Falling
Ich versuche, zu ↗lernen ↘.
Signals the completion of the thought.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Zu is the glue that sticks two verbs together when the person doing them is the same.
Visual Association
Imagine a train where the first engine is the main verb, and the second car is the infinitive verb. The 'zu' is the metal coupling that connects them.
Rhyme
If the subject is the same, keep it simple, use 'zu' by name.
Story
Hans wants to eat. Hans wants to sleep. Hans says: 'Ich habe vor, zu essen und zu schlafen.' He uses 'zu' because he is the only one doing the actions.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your plans for tomorrow using 'zu' + infinitive.
Cultural Notes
Germans value precision; using 'zu' infinitive shows you have mastered the language's structural efficiency.
Austrian German often uses similar constructions but may prefer slightly more formal phrasing in public.
Swiss German speakers in formal settings use the same rules, though spoken Swiss German differs significantly.
The 'zu' infinitive evolved from the dative case of the definite article 'zu' + the infinitive, originally meaning 'to the doing of'.
Conversation Starters
Was hast du heute vor zu machen?
Versuchst du, jeden Tag Deutsch zu lernen?
Was ist dein Ziel, in diesem Jahr zu erreichen?
Ist es wichtig, in der heutigen Zeit flexibel zu sein?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich versuche, Deutsch ___ lernen.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich versuche essen zu.
Change 'Ich will, dass ich gehe' into an infinitive clause.
You use 'zu' + infinitive when subjects are different.
A: Hast du Lust? B: Ja, ich habe Lust, ___.
versuche / zu / ich / lernen
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch versuche, Deutsch ___ lernen.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich versuche essen zu.
Change 'Ich will, dass ich gehe' into an infinitive clause.
You use 'zu' + infinitive when subjects are different.
A: Hast du Lust? B: Ja, ich habe Lust, ___.
versuche / zu / ich / lernen
Match 'vergessen' to its infinitive clause.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIch habe keine Zeit, heute ___ (einkaufen).
Ich hoffe, dich morgen zu sehen.
Lust / Hast / du / zu / tanzen / ?
It is easy to learn German.
I try not to forget it.
Match the pairs:
Es ist schön, dich ___ (treffen).
Which one is correct?
I'm planning to go out tonight.
vergessen / Ich / habe / anzurufen / dich / .
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, modal verbs like 'können' or 'wollen' are followed by an infinitive without 'zu'.
The comma is placed immediately before the 'zu'.
The 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb stem, e.g., 'anzurufen'.
No, you must use a 'dass' clause in that case.
Yes, in this specific construction, it is mandatory.
No, 'zu' is an invariable particle.
Place 'nicht' before the 'zu', e.g., 'Ich versuche, nicht zu rauchen.'
Yes, it is very common in professional and academic German.
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
German consistently uses 'zu', whereas French varies the preposition.
koto/ni + verb
Japanese structure is SOV and uses particles post-positionally.
an + subjunctive
Arabic uses a conjugated verb form, not an infinitive.
serial verb construction
Chinese has no infinitive markers.
to + infinitive
German requires a comma; English does not.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
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