By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Zu comes before the infinitive
- Separable verbs place zu in the middle
- Modal verbs do not use zu
- Use um ... zu for goals
- Purpose, omission and replacement
- Usage, exceptions and meaning
Simple explanation
German infinitive clauses with zu are used to connect actions and express plans, wishes, intentions, reasons, and additional information. This lesson explains when to use zu, where it appears in sentences, how separable verbs work, and how to avoid common mistakes at B1 level.
Zu comes before the infinitive
For regular verbs, place zu directly before the infinitive form. Example: Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen.
Separable verbs place zu in the middle
For separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the main verb. Example: anfangen becomes anzufangen.
Modal verbs do not use zu
After modal verbs like können or müssen, use the infinitive without zu. Example: Ich muss arbeiten.
Use um ... zu for goals
The structure um ... zu explains the purpose or goal of an action. Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
Purpose, omission and replacement
Um Geld zu sparen expresses purpose, ohne zu bezahlen an omitted action, statt zu lernen a replacement. The subject is normally understood from the main clause rather than repeated. A different subject can require a finite clause such as ohne dass.
Reflexives and separable infinitives
The reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu erinnern. Separable infinitives insert zu inside the word: aufzustehen, anzurufen. Clause-like infinitives take their required comma; optional pauses do not replace punctuation rules.
Usage, exceptions and meaning
Learn zu with the first verb's pattern. Um…zu expresses purpose, ohne…zu an omitted accompanying action, statt…zu a replacement. Different subjects often require a finite clause; damit also allows shared subjects. Under the current 2024 rules, clause-like infinitive groups take commas. Distinguish integrated predicates such as scheint zu schlafen.
Usage reference table
| Pattern or function | Target-language model |
|---|---|
| Zu comes before the infinitive | Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. |
| Separable verbs place zu in the middle | Ich versuche, Anna anzurufen. |
| Modal verbs do not use zu | Ich muss Deutsch lernen. |
| Use um ... zu for goals | Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. |
| Usage, exceptions and meaning | Anna ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden. |
| Meaning in context | Ich lerne Deutsch, um hier zu arbeiten: Ziel. |
Grammar formula
Basic structure
Subjekt + Verb + zu + InfinitivIch versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.
Separable verb structure
Präfix + zu + VerbteilIch plane, früh aufzustehen.
Purpose structure
um + zu + InfinitivIch spare Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.
Core rules
- 1
Zu comes before the infinitive
For regular verbs, place zu directly before the infinitive form. Example: Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen.
- 2
Separable verbs place zu in the middle
For separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the main verb. Example: anfangen becomes anzufangen.
- 3
Modal verbs do not use zu
After modal verbs like können or müssen, use the infinitive without zu. Example: Ich muss arbeiten.
- 4
Use um ... zu for goals
The structure um ... zu explains the purpose or goal of an action. Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
- 5
Purpose, omission and replacement
Um Geld zu sparen expresses purpose, ohne zu bezahlen an omitted action, statt zu lernen a replacement. The subject is normally understood from the main clause rather than repeated. A different subject can require a finite clause such as ohne dass.
- 6
Reflexives and separable infinitives
The reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu erinnern. Separable infinitives insert zu inside the word: aufzustehen, anzurufen. Clause-like infinitives take their required comma; optional pauses do not replace punctuation rules.
- 7
Usage, exceptions and meaning
Learn zu with the first verb's pattern. Um…zu expresses purpose, ohne…zu an omitted accompanying action, statt…zu a replacement. Different subjects often require a finite clause; damit also allows shared subjects. Under the current 2024 rules, clause-like infinitive groups take commas. Distinguish integrated predicates such as scheint zu schlafen.
Useful examples
Ich versuche, jeden Tag Deutsch zu lernen.
I try to learn German every day.
Versuchen is commonly followed by zu + infinitive.
Wir planen, nächstes Jahr nach Berlin zu reisen.
We plan to travel to Berlin next year.
Planen describes a future intention.
Sie hat vergessen, die Tür zu schließen.
She forgot to close the door.
Vergessen can introduce an action with zu + infinitive.
Ich hoffe, bald eine neue Wohnung zu finden.
I hope to find a new apartment soon.
Hoffen is often followed by zu + infinitive.
Er beginnt, ein Buch zu lesen.
He starts reading a book.
Beginnen introduces the start of another action.
Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
I learn German in order to work in Germany.
Um ... zu expresses a purpose.
Wir haben beschlossen, früher aufzustehen.
We have decided to get up earlier.
Aufstehen is separable, so zu comes between the parts.
Es ist wichtig, genug Wasser zu trinken.
It is important to drink enough water.
Many adjectives can be followed by zu + infinitive.
Ich habe keine Zeit, lange zu warten.
I do not have time to wait for a long time.
Some nouns like Zeit can introduce an infinitive clause.
Er versucht, nicht zu spät zu kommen.
He tries not to arrive too late.
Nicht comes before the infinitive phrase.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Ich versuche, Deutsch dass lernen. ✅ Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.
- ❌ Ich versuche, Anna zu anrufen. ✅ Ich versuche, Anna anzurufen.
- ❌ Ich muss Deutsch zu lernen. ✅ Ich muss Deutsch lernen.
- ❌ Ich lerne, damit die Prüfung zu bestehen. ✅ Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
- ❌ Anna ging, damit sich zu verabschieden. ✅ Anna ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden.
- ❌ Ich lerne Deutsch, um hier zu arbeiten: Ziel. → an omitted accompanying action with ohne ✅ Ich lerne Deutsch, um hier zu arbeiten: Ziel. → purpose
Learning tips
- Learn common verb combinations with zu as complete expressions.
- Always check if the main verb is a modal verb before adding zu.
- Pay special attention to separable verbs.
- Use um ... zu when explaining why you do something.
- Practice with real-life sentences instead of isolated rules.
Use it in your own text
Write six new sentences about your life, experiences or views. Use the rules and table and check why each form fits. The models are illustrations; you need not force every form into one text. This is self-assessment; the test score is recorded separately.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Zu comes before the infinitive”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Separable verbs place zu in the middle”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Modal verbs do not use zu”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Use um ... zu for goals”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Purpose, omission and replacement”.
- Compare the form and meaning of two of your examples and explain the difference.
Show the model
Ich versuche, jeden Tag Deutsch zu lernen. Wir planen, nächstes Jahr nach Berlin zu reisen. Sie hat vergessen, die Tür zu schließen. Ich hoffe, bald eine neue Wohnung zu finden. Er beginnt, ein Buch zu lesen. Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
Check your own work
- My intended meaning fits the chosen construction.
- I checked subject, verb form, case/preposition and word order.
- I adapted the models to my own context and considered the exceptions.
Put it into practice
Try two questions without an account. Sign up free to continue and save your results and progress.
Related grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
What matters for “Zu comes before the infinitive”?
For regular verbs, place zu directly before the infinitive form. Example: Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen.
What matters for “Separable verbs place zu in the middle”?
For separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the main verb. Example: anfangen becomes anzufangen.
What matters for “Modal verbs do not use zu”?
After modal verbs like können or müssen, use the infinitive without zu. Example: Ich muss arbeiten.
What matters for “Use um ... zu for goals”?
The structure um ... zu explains the purpose or goal of an action. Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
What matters for “Purpose, omission and replacement”?
Um Geld zu sparen expresses purpose, ohne zu bezahlen an omitted action, statt zu lernen a replacement. The subject is normally understood from the main clause rather than repeated. A different subject can require a finite clause such as ohne dass.
What matters for “Reflexives and separable infinitives”?
The reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu erinnern. Separable infinitives insert zu inside the word: aufzustehen, anzurufen. Clause-like infinitives take their required comma; optional pauses do not replace punctuation rules.
What matters for “Usage, exceptions and meaning”?
Learn zu with the first verb's pattern. Um…zu expresses purpose, ohne…zu an omitted accompanying action, statt…zu a replacement. Different subjects often require a finite clause; damit also allows shared subjects. Under the current 2024 rules, clause-like infinitive groups take commas. Distinguish integrated predicates such as scheint zu schlafen.
Keep your reading history and test results with a free account.
Sign up free and continue