Explanation
Understanding the Infinitive with 'zu'
In German, the 'Infinitiv mit zu' (Infinitive with 'zu') is a structure used to connect two clauses when the second verb depends on the first. It is often used to replace a 'dass' (that) clause when the subject of both parts of the sentence is the same. Unlike modal verbs (like können or müssen), which take a direct infinitive, many other German verbs, nouns, and adjectives require the word zu to be placed before the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
When to use it
We generally use the infinitive with 'zu' in three main scenarios:
1. After specific verbs: Verbs expressing plans, efforts, or thoughts, such as planen (to plan), versuchen (to try), hoffen (to hope), or vergessen (to forget).
2. After nouns: Phrases like Lust haben (to have the desire), Zeit haben (to have time), or Angst haben (to be afraid).
3. After adjectives with 'es ist': For example, Es ist wichtig (It is important), Es ist gesund (It is healthy), or Es ist schwierig (It is difficult).
Word Order and Separable Verbs
The infinitive phrase is usually separated from the main clause by a comma. The 'zu + Infinitive' construction always appears at the very end of the sentence. A crucial rule applies to separable verbs: the word 'zu' is inserted between the prefix and the verb root to form a single word (e.g., abnehmen becomes abzunehmen). For verbs with the suffix -ieren or other inseparable prefixes, 'zu' simply stands before the verb.
Reference Tables
| Type | Trigger Example | Example with 'zu' |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | planen | ... zu abonnieren |
| Noun | Lust haben | ... abzulegen |
| Adjective | Es ist wichtig | ... anzuwenden |
| Verb Type | Infinitive | Form with 'zu' |
|---|---|---|
| Separable | abnehmen | abzunehmen |
| Separable | einteilen | einzuteilen |
| Inseparable | beherrschen | zu beherrschen |
| -ieren Verb | programmieren | zu programmieren |
Examples
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Er plant, seine Prüfung nächsten Monat abzulegen.
He plans to take his exam next month.
Es ist schwierig, diese Software richtig zu programmieren.
It is difficult to program this software correctly.
Ich versuche, durch Sport ein paar Kilo abzunehmen.
I am trying to lose a few kilos through sports.
Es ist sinnvoll, die Arbeit gut einzuteilen.
It makes sense to divide the work well.
Common Mistakes
Modal verbs (können, wollen, müssen, etc.) never use 'zu' with the infinitive.
For separable verbs, 'zu' must be placed between the prefix (ab-) and the verb stem (-nehmen).
The 'zu + infinitive' construction must always be at the very end of the clause.