B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 47

Infinitive Constructions: um...zu, ohne...zu, statt...zu

4 Regras totais
43 exemplos
7 min
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Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of linking actions and intentions efficiently using German infinitive clauses.

  • Distinguish between dependent clauses and infinitive phrases.
  • Express your intentions and motives using precise German grammar.
  • Connect actions seamlessly by describing how or why you perform them.
Simplify your sentences, amplify your expression.

O que você vai aprender

Express purpose, absence, and alternatives using German infinitive constructions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Differentiate between 'damit' (subject change) and 'um...zu' (same subject).
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using 'statt...zu' and 'ohne...zu' to describe alternative or missing actions.

Guia do capítulo

Overview

This chapter introduces essential German infinitive constructions that will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas with greater precision and fluency. Mastering «um...zu,» ohne...zu, and statt...zu allows you to clearly articulate purpose, absence, and alternatives in your sentences. These structures are crucial for moving beyond basic sentence formation and understanding the nuances of German communication, a key step at the B1 level.
You will learn to express in order to or so that using um...zu and understand its distinction from damit, which serves a similar purpose when the subjects of the clauses are different. Furthermore, you will gain the skill to describe actions performed without doing something using ohne...zu and to present alternatives with
instead of doing something
using statt...zu. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to integrate these elegant and practical grammatical tools seamlessly into your German conversations and writing.

How This Grammar Works

These infinitive constructions are subordinate clauses that typically follow a main clause, providing additional information about the action described in the main clause. They always end with the infinitive form of the verb, preceded by zu.
Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)
You use um...zu when the subject of the main clause is the same as the implied subject of the infinitive clause. It answers the question Wozu? (What for?) or Warum? (Why?).

Structure: ..., um + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren. (I'm learning German in order to study in Germany.)
* Du gehst ins Fitnessstudio, um fit zu bleiben. (You go to the gym in order to stay fit.)
* Wir sparen Geld, um eine Reise zu machen. (We're saving money in order to take a trip.)
Expressing Purpose: 'So that / in order to' (damit vs. um...zu)
While um...zu is used when the subjects are the same, damit is used when the subject of the purpose clause is *different* from the subject of the main clause. damit introduces a regular subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes to the end.

Structure: ..., damit + Subjekt + andere Satzteile + konjugiertes Verb.

* Ich erkläre dir das, damit du es verstehst. (I'm explaining this to you so that you understand it.) – *Here, ich explains, but du understands.*
* Der Lehrer spricht langsam, damit die Schüler alles notieren können. (The teacher speaks slowly so that the students can note everything.)
Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
This construction expresses that an action is performed without another accompanying action.

Structure: ..., ohne + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden. (You leave without saying goodbye.)
* Sie hat den Kaffee getrunken, ohne Zucker hinzuzufügen. (She drank the coffee without adding sugar.)
* Wir haben den Film gesehen, ohne das Ende zu verraten. (We watched the movie without revealing the end.)
Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
This construction indicates an alternative or a contrary action. It shows what is done instead of something else.

Structure: ..., statt + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du bleibst zu Hause, statt mit uns ins Kino zu gehen. (You're staying home instead of going to the cinema with us.)
* Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen. (He's reading a book instead of watching TV.)
* Sie kocht, statt Essen zu bestellen. (She's cooking instead of ordering food.)
Important Note on 'zu':
The 'zu' particle always precedes the infinitive verb. If the verb is separable (e.g., *einkaufen*), 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the stem: *einzukaufen*.
* Ich fahre zum Supermarkt, um Lebensmittel einzukaufen. (I'm driving to the supermarket in order to buy groceries.)

Common Mistakes

✗ Wir lernen Deutsch, damit in Deutschland zu studieren.
✓ Wir lernen Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Why: The subject is the same (wir / we), so um...zu is required, not damit.
✗ Du gehst, ohne zu dich verabschieden.
✓ Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden.
Why: The pronoun/object dich comes before zu in these constructions.
✗ Er liest ein Buch, statt fern zu sehen.
✓ Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen.
Why: For separable verbs, 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb stem (fern-sehen becomes fern-zu-sehen).
✗ Ich bin gekommen, um du zu helfen.
✓ Ich bin gekommen, um dir zu helfen.
Why: The object of the infinitive clause (dir) must be in the correct case (dative in this instance).

Real Conversations

A

A

Ich muss nach Berlin fahren, um meine Familie zu besuchen.
B

B

Möchtest du mit dem Zug fahren, statt das Auto zu nehmen? Das ist oft entspannter.
A

A

Ja, gute Idee! Ich sollte auch Tickets online kaufen, um Geld zu sparen.

Translation:

A

A

I have to go to Berlin to visit my family.
B

B

Do you want to go by train instead of taking the car? That's often more relaxed.
A

A

Yes, good idea! I should also buy tickets online in order to save money.
A

A

Warum machst du die Hausaufgaben, ohne die Anleitung zu lesen?
B

B

Oh, ich dachte, ich wüsste schon alles. Aber du hast recht, ich sollte die Anleitung lesen, um keine Fehler zu machen.
A

A

Genau! Es ist besser, sicherzugehen, statt später alles korrigieren zu müssen.

Translation:

A

A

Why are you doing the homework without reading the instructions?
B

B

Oh, I thought I already knew everything. But you're right, I should read the instructions in order not to make any mistakes.
A

A

Exactly! It's better to be sure instead of having to correct everything later.

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use um...zu versus damit?

Use um...zu when the subject performing the action in the main clause is the *same* as the subject performing the action in the infinitive clause. Use damit when the subjects are *different*.

Q

Can these zu constructions be used with modal verbs?

No, not directly. The infinitive verb in um...zu, ohne...zu, or statt...zu is the main verb of the subordinate clause. If you need a modal verb, it usually changes the main clause's structure, or you might need a different construction (e.g., using damit with a modal verb). For example, you wouldn't say

um gehen zu können,
but rather
um gehen zu können
(correct, the modal können is the infinitive here) or if the subject changes
damit du gehen kannst
.

Q

Where does nicht go in these infinitive constructions?

Nicht typically precedes zu in these constructions. For example:

Ich gehe nicht ins Kino, um nicht zu spät zu kommen.
(I'm not going to the cinema in order not to be too late.) Or
Sie fährt Fahrrad, ohne einen Helm zu tragen.
(She rides a bike without wearing a helmet.)

Q

Are these constructions always at the end of a sentence?

They are always at the end of the clause they belong to. They usually follow the main clause as a subordinate clause. For example:

Ich lerne, um besser zu werden.

Cultural Context

The precision offered by infinitive constructions like «um...zu,» ohne...zu, and statt...zu reflects a broader characteristic often associated with the German language: its emphasis on clarity and explicitness. While other languages might rely on simpler conjunctions or context, German often provides distinct grammatical tools to express exact relationships between actions and intentions.
This grammatical feature allows speakers to convey their purposes, omissions, and alternatives without ambiguity, a trait often valued in German communication, whether in everyday conversation or more formal settings. Mastering these structures not only improves your grammatical accuracy but also helps you sound more natural and sophisticated to native speakers, allowing you to articulate your thoughts with the same directness and detail they expect and appreciate. They are elegant shortcuts that make complex sentences more concise and understandable.

Exemplos-chave (4)

1

Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.

Estou aprendendo alemão para trabalhar em Berlim.

Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)
2

Ich schicke dir den Link, damit du das Video sehen kannst.

Vou te mandar o link para que você possa ver o vídeo.

Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)
3

Ich gehe in die Küche, um den Kaffee zu kochen.

Vou à cozinha para fazer o café.

Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)
4

Sie spart das Geld, um die Weltreise zu machen.

Ela está economizando dinheiro para fazer uma viagem ao redor do mundo.

Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Dicas e truques (4)

⚠️

A Armadilha da Vírgula

No português nem sempre usamos vírgula antes do 'para', mas no alemão ela é obrigatória antes de 'um' ou 'damit'. Olha só:
Ich esse, um zu leben.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)
💡

O recheio do verbo

Sempre confira se o seu verbo é separável. Se for, o 'zu' fica no meio, como em einzukaufen. É o erro número 1 no nível B1!
Ich gehe essen, statt einzukaufen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Em vez de fazer algo (statt...zu)
💡

O Truque do Verbo Separável

Se o verbo for separável, o 'zu' entra no meio como um recheio de sanduíche: prefixo + zu + verbo. Veja: einzukaufen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazer as coisas sem... (ohne...zu)
🎯

A vírgula é rainha

No alemão, orações com 'um' sempre exigem vírgula antes. Isso mostra que você domina a escrita:
Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Vocabulário-chave (6)

die Absicht intention statt instead of ohne without der Zweck purpose erledigen to finish/take care of sparen to save

Real-World Preview

plane

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • damit + subject + ... + verb
  • um + ... + zu + infinitive
  • statt + ... + zu + infinitive
  • ohne + ... + zu + infinitive

Erros comuns

You cannot use 'damit' with an infinitive. 'Damit' requires a full clause with a conjugated verb.

Wrong: Ich gehe in den Park, damit zu laufen.
Correto: Ich gehe in den Park, um zu laufen.

You cannot use 'um...zu' when the subject changes. If you are learning so HE learns, you must use 'damit'.

Wrong: Ich lerne, um er Deutsch lernt.
Correto: Ich lerne, damit er Deutsch lernt.

The infinitive clause acts as a position 1 element, so the verb must come immediately after the comma.

Wrong: Statt zu arbeiten, er schläft.
Correto: Statt zu arbeiten, schläft er.

Next Steps

You have mastered a key B1 pillar. Keep practicing, and these structures will become second nature!

Write a diary entry using 5 infinitive constructions.

Continue to: Pronouns and Relative Clauses

Prática rápida (10)

Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?

Escolha a oração de objetivo correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.
Você precisa tanto do 'um' quanto do 'zu', e o infinitivo deve estar no final.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Encontre e corrija o erro nesta frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich rufe dich an, um wir zu sprechen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ambas estão corretas dependendo do contexto.
Se 'nós' falamos, use 'damit'. Se 'eu' quero falar com você, 'um zu sprechen' funciona se remover o sujeito extra 'wir'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Ich fahre in den Urlaub, ohne ich einen Koffer packe.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich fahre in den Urlaub, ohne einen Koffer zu packen.
Em uma construção de infinitivo, o sujeito ('ich') não deve ser repetido na segunda parte.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazer as coisas sem... (ohne...zu)

Encontre e corrija o erro:

Find and fix the mistake:

Statt zu ausgehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Statt auszugehen, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Para verbos separáveis como 'ausgehen', o 'zu' fica entre o prefixo e a base.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Em vez de fazer algo (statt...zu)

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo (incluindo o 'zu').

Er geht spazieren, ohne eine Jacke ______ (anziehen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: anzuziehen
Como 'anziehen' é um verbo separável, o 'zu' fica entre o prefixo 'an-' e o verbo 'ziehen'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazer as coisas sem... (ohne...zu)

Preencha a lacuna com a estrutura correta.

Ich gehe in den Supermarkt, ____ Brot ____ kaufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um / zu
A construção é sempre 'um' no início da oração de objetivo e 'zu' antes do infinitivo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando Propósito: 'Para' (um...zu)

Preencha a lacuna com 'um' ou 'damit'.

Ich gebe dir meine Nummer, ___ du mich anrufen kannst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: damit
Usamos 'damit' porque os sujeitos são diferentes: 'Ich' (dou o número) e 'du' (pode ligar).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)

Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie isst Pizza, ohne sie zu bezahlen.
Você precisa do 'ohne', do objeto 'sie' e do 'zu' + infinitivo no final.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazer as coisas sem... (ohne...zu)

Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?

Escolha a forma correta de expressar objetivo:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich lerne viel, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
Como o sujeito é o mesmo (Ich), usamos 'um...zu' sem repetir o sujeito.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Ich gehe in die Küche, damit einen Kaffee zu kochen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe in die Küche, um einen Kaffee zu kochen.
Para intenções com o mesmo sujeito, usamos 'um...zu', não 'damit' seguido de 'zu'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressando propósito: para que / a fim de (damit vs. um...zu)

Score: /10

Perguntas comuns (6)

Não, nunca! Se os sujeitos mudarem, você deve usar 'damit'. Por exemplo:
Ich helfe dir, damit du fertig wirst.
Não, ambos expressam a mesma intenção. A diferença é puramente gramatical baseada no sujeito:
Ich lerne, um zu bestehen.
Nenhuma! Eles são 100% intercambiáveis. Anstatt é só a versão mais longa e soa um tiquinho mais formal, mas statt é muito mais comum no dia a dia.
Não pode! No alemão, a vírgula é obrigatória para separar a frase principal da oração infinitiva. Se esquecer, o professor vai usar a caneta vermelha!
Ich lerne, statt zu schlafen.
Significa 'sem fazer algo'. Usamos para descrever uma ação que não aconteceu enquanto outra ocorria. Exemplo:
Er schläft, ohne zu träumen.
Não. O sujeito tem que ser o mesmo. Se forem pessoas diferentes, use 'ohne dass'. Exemplo:
Er geht, ohne dass ich es sehe.
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