By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Apply: Rule 1: Conjugate the first verb
- Apply: Rule 2: Put zu before a simple infinitive
- Apply: Rule 3: Keep the infinitive phrase near the end
- Apply: Rule 4: Put zu inside separable verbs
- Usage, exceptions and meaning
Simple explanation
What is the infinitive with zu?
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb, such as lernen, arbeiten, or schlafen. In many German sentences, a second action is expressed with zu + infinitive. For example: “Ich versuche, mehr zu lesen.” The verb versuche is conjugated, while lesen appears as zu lesen at the end of the sentence.
When do we use zu + infinitive?
At A2 level, this structure is especially common after verbs such as versuchen, hoffen, planen, and vergessen. It also appears after expressions such as Zeit haben, Lust haben, and Es ist wichtig. The infinitive phrase explains what action is being attempted, planned, hoped for, forgotten, or evaluated.
Where does zu go?
With simple verbs, zu comes directly before the infinitive: zu lernen, zu arbeiten, zu schlafen. The infinitive phrase normally appears near the end of the sentence: “Ich versuche, jeden Tag Deutsch zu lernen.”
What happens with separable verbs?
With separable verbs, zu goes between the prefix and the verb stem. For example, aufstehen becomes aufzustehen, einkaufen becomes einzukaufen, and anrufen becomes anzurufen. This is why “zu aufstehen” is incorrect.
When do we not use zu?
After modal verbs such as können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, and mögen, the second verb normally appears without zu. For example, German uses “Ich muss arbeiten.” and “Wir wollen gehen.” This contrast is one of the most important points to remember at A2 level.
Usage, exceptions and meaning
Learn the construction with its first verb: versuchen/planen + zu-infinitive, but können/müssen/wollen without zu. Write separable anzurufen together. A reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu freuen. Clause-like infinitive groups are separated by commas under the current 2024 rules. Distinguish an integrated complex predicate: Er scheint zu schlafen is a different pattern. The lesson focuses on the illustrated simple infinitive groups.
Usage reference table
The table gives construction models. Meaning-question options follow the interface language; translated sentences appear in Examples.
| Pattern or function | Target-language model |
|---|---|
| Rule 2: Put zu before a simple infinitive | Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. |
| Rule 4: Put zu inside separable verbs | Ich habe vergessen, Anna anzurufen. |
| Rule 5: Do not use zu after modal verbs | Ich möchte Deutsch lernen. |
| Rule 1: Conjugate the first verb | Ich habe Zeit, dir zu helfen. |
| Usage, exceptions and meaning | Sie hat einen Grund, sich zu freuen. |
| Rule 3: Keep the infinitive phrase near the end | Es ist schön, hier zu bleiben. |
Grammar formula
Basic structure
Subjekt + konjugiertes Verb + ..., zu + InfinitivIch versuche, mehr zu lesen.
With Zeit or Lust
Subjekt + haben + Zeit/Lust + ..., zu + InfinitivIch habe Lust, heute zu kochen.
With an adjective
Es ist + Adjektiv + ..., zu + InfinitivEs ist wichtig, genug zu schlafen.
Separable verb
Trennbares Präfix + zu + Infinitiv (auf + zu + stehen → aufzustehen)Ich versuche, früh aufzustehen.
Negative form
..., nicht + zu + InfinitivIch versuche, nicht zu spät zu kommen.
Question form
Konjugiertes Verb + Subjekt + ..., zu + Infinitiv?Versuchst du, mehr Gemüse zu essen?
Core rules
- 1
Rule 1: Conjugate the first verb
The first verb changes according to the subject. The second action stays in the infinitive: Ich versuche, mehr zu schlafen.
- 2
Rule 2: Put zu before a simple infinitive
With ordinary non-separable verbs, use zu directly before the infinitive: zu lernen, zu kommen, zu machen.
- 3
Rule 3: Keep the infinitive phrase near the end
The action expressed by zu + infinitive normally comes at the end of the sentence: Wir planen, im Sommer nach Berlin zu fahren.
- 4
Rule 4: Put zu inside separable verbs
With separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the main verb: aufstehen → aufzustehen, anrufen → anzurufen, einkaufen → einzukaufen.
- 5
Rule 5: Do not use zu after modal verbs
After können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, and mögen, use the infinitive without zu: Ich kann schwimmen. Wir müssen gehen.
- 6
Rule 6: Use nicht to negate the second action
The infinitive phrase can be negated with nicht: Ich versuche, heute nicht zu spät zu kommen.
- 7
Rule 7: Questions keep the infinitive phrase at the end
In questions, the conjugated verb changes position, but the infinitive phrase normally stays at the end: Versuchst du, mehr Wasser zu trinken?
- 8
Usage, exceptions and meaning
Learn the construction with its first verb: versuchen/planen + zu-infinitive, but können/müssen/wollen without zu. Write separable anzurufen together. A reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu freuen. Clause-like infinitive groups are separated by commas under the current 2024 rules. Distinguish an integrated complex predicate: Er scheint zu schlafen is a different pattern. The lesson focuses on the illustrated simple infinitive groups.
Useful examples
Ich versuche, jeden Tag Deutsch zu lernen.
I try to learn German every day.
After versuchen, the second action is expressed with zu + infinitive.
Wir planen, im Sommer nach Berlin zu fahren.
We are planning to travel to Berlin in the summer.
The planned action appears as zu fahren.
Sie hofft, bald eine neue Wohnung zu finden.
She hopes to find a new apartment soon.
After hoffen, the expected action can be expressed with zu + infinitive.
Ich habe vergessen, die Tür zu schließen.
I forgot to close the door.
The forgotten action is expressed as die Tür zu schließen.
Es ist wichtig, genug Wasser zu trinken.
It is important to drink enough water.
After Es ist wichtig, an infinitive phrase with zu can follow.
Ich habe heute keine Zeit, zu kochen.
I do not have time to cook today.
Zeit haben can be followed by an infinitive with zu.
Hast du Lust, heute Abend spazieren zu gehen?
Do you feel like going for a walk this evening?
Lust haben is commonly followed by zu + infinitive.
Er versucht, jeden Morgen früh aufzustehen.
He tries to get up early every morning.
Aufstehen is separable, so zu is inserted inside the verb: aufzustehen.
Wir versuchen, am Wochenende einzukaufen.
We try to do the shopping at the weekend.
Einkaufen becomes einzukaufen because it is separable.
Ich versuche, heute nicht zu spät zu kommen.
I try not to arrive late today.
Nicht negates the second action.
Versuchst du, weniger Zucker zu essen?
Are you trying to eat less sugar?
In the question, zu essen still stays at the end.
Ich muss morgen früh arbeiten.
I have to work early tomorrow morning.
After the modal verb müssen, no zu is used.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Ich versuche, Deutsch dass lernen. ✅ Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.
- ❌ Ich habe vergessen, Anna zu anrufen. ✅ Ich habe vergessen, Anna anzurufen.
- ❌ Ich möchte Deutsch zu lernen. ✅ Ich möchte Deutsch lernen.
- ❌ Ich habe Zeit, dir dass helfen. ✅ Ich habe Zeit, dir zu helfen.
- ❌ Sie hat einen Grund, zu sich freuen. ✅ Sie hat einen Grund, sich zu freuen.
- ❌ Es ist schön, hier bleiben zu. ✅ Es ist schön, hier zu bleiben.
Learning tips
- Learn common combinations as complete patterns: versuchen, ... zu; hoffen, ... zu; planen, ... zu; vergessen, ... zu.
- First identify the conjugated verb. The second verb often appears as zu + infinitive near the end.
- Pay special attention to separable verbs: aufzustehen, anzurufen, einzukaufen.
- When you see a modal verb, check before adding zu. In normal A2 structures, modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without zu.
- Build the main sentence first, then add the second action as an infinitive phrase.
- Practice with personal examples about plans, routines, and goals instead of memorizing isolated forms.
Use it in your own text
Write six connected sentences about your life, plans or experiences, using each table pattern once. Check why each construction fits, using this lesson’s rules. This is self-assessment; the multiple-choice test has a separate recorded score.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 1.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 2.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 3.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 4.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 5.
- Write a new sentence about yourself using table pattern 6.
Show the model
Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. Ich habe vergessen, Anna anzurufen. Ich möchte Deutsch lernen. Ich habe Zeit, dir zu helfen. Sie hat einen Grund, sich zu freuen. Es ist schön, hier zu bleiben.
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 should I check for “Rule 1: Conjugate the first verb”?
The first verb changes according to the subject. The second action stays in the infinitive: Ich versuche, mehr zu schlafen.
What should I check for “Rule 2: Put zu before a simple infinitive”?
With ordinary non-separable verbs, use zu directly before the infinitive: zu lernen, zu kommen, zu machen.
What should I check for “Rule 3: Keep the infinitive phrase near the end”?
The action expressed by zu + infinitive normally comes at the end of the sentence: Wir planen, im Sommer nach Berlin zu fahren.
What should I check for “Rule 4: Put zu inside separable verbs”?
With separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the main verb: aufstehen → aufzustehen, anrufen → anzurufen, einkaufen → einzukaufen.
What should I check for “Rule 5: Do not use zu after modal verbs”?
After können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, and mögen, use the infinitive without zu: Ich kann schwimmen. Wir müssen gehen.
What should I check for “Rule 6: Use nicht to negate the second action”?
The infinitive phrase can be negated with nicht: Ich versuche, heute nicht zu spät zu kommen.
What should I check for “Rule 7: Questions keep the infinitive phrase at the end”?
In questions, the conjugated verb changes position, but the infinitive phrase normally stays at the end: Versuchst du, mehr Wasser zu trinken?
What should I check for “Usage, exceptions and meaning”?
Learn the construction with its first verb: versuchen/planen + zu-infinitive, but können/müssen/wollen without zu. Write separable anzurufen together. A reflexive precedes the infinitive: sich zu freuen. Clause-like infinitive groups are separated by commas under the current 2024 rules. Distinguish an integrated complex predicate: Er scheint zu schlafen is a different pattern. The lesson focuses on the illustrated simple infinitive groups.
Keep your reading history and test results with a free account.
Sign up free and continue