Mastering German “Zu” Inf initive Sentences: A Complete Guide
In German, the “zu” infinitive structure is vital for combining multiple actions into a smooth sentence. It functions similarly to the English “to” (e.g., “to eat,” “to sleep”) and is often paired with certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns. However, knowing when and how to use this structure requires an understanding of which verbs demand “zu” and why some don’t.
Infinitive Sentences with “Zu” – Basic Structure
The standard structure for a “zu” infinitive sentence is:
[Main Clause] + [zu] + [Infinitive Verb]For example:
- German: Ich habe vergessen, das Buch zu lesen.
- English: “I forgot to read the book.”
Here, vergessen (to forget) is paired with the verb lesen (to read) using the infinitive form zu lesen.
Common Verbs That Use “Zu”
Certain verbs must be followed by the “zu” infinitive. This is because they signal intent, planning, starting, or stopping an action. Below is a list of common verbs that require “zu”:
| German Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence (German) | Translation (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| beginnen | to begin | Er beginnt, Deutsch zu lernen. | He is starting to learn German. |
| aufhören | to stop | Sie hört auf, zu rauchen. | She is quitting smoking. |
| versuchen | to try | Ich versuche, das Problem zu lösen. | I’m trying to solve the problem. |
| vergessen | to forget | Ich habe vergessen, dich anzurufen. | I forgot to call you. |
| versprechen | to promise | Er hat versprochen, pünktlich zu sein. | He promised to be punctual. |
| vorhaben | to plan/intend | Wir haben vor, ins Kino zu gehen. | We plan to go to the cinema. |
| entscheiden | to decide | Sie entscheidet, das Buch zu kaufen. | She decides to buy the book. |
| hoffen | to hope | Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen. | I hope to see you soon. |
Verbs That Don’t Use “Zu”
Several verbs do not require “zu” when forming an infinitive clause. This includes modal verbs (e.g., können, müssen) and certain action verbs that describe senses or movement. Here are some examples:
| German Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence (German) | Translation (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| sehen | to see | Ich sehe dich kommen. | I see you coming. |
| hören | to hear | Wir hören die Kinder spielen. | We hear the children playing. |
| lassen | to let | Er lässt mich gehen. | He lets me go. |
| bleiben | to remain | Er bleibt sitzen. | He stays seated. |
| gehen | to go | Ich gehe einkaufen. | I am going shopping. |
Verbs with “Zu” in Separable Verbs
When using separable verbs, the “zu” gets inserted between the prefix and the main verb. For instance:
- anrufen (to call) becomes anzurufen.
- aufstehen (to get up) becomes aufzustehen.
Example:
- Ich versuche, meine Freundin anzurufen. (I’m trying to call my friend.)
Adjectives, Nouns, and Phrases That Require “Zu”
In addition to verbs, certain adjectives and nouns in combination with infinitive clauses also require “zu”.
| Phrase/Adjective | Example (German) | Translation (English) |
|---|---|---|
| haben Lust | Ich habe Lust, ins Kino zu gehen. | I feel like going to the cinema. |
| schön | Es ist schön, draußen zu sein. | It is nice to be outside. |
| wichtig | Es ist wichtig, Deutsch zu lernen. | It’s important to learn German. |
| die Absicht haben | Ich habe die Absicht, das zu tun. | I have the intention to do that. |
When to Choose “Zu” Over a “Dass-Clause”
Often, a “zu” infinitive can replace a dass-clause when the subject is clear. For instance:
- Dass-clause: Ich hoffe, dass ich bald komme. (I hope that I will come soon.)
- “Zu” infinitive: Ich hoffe, bald zu kommen. (I hope to come soon.)
This can simplify the sentence while maintaining clarity, but it only works if the subject remains the same in both clauses.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using “Zu” with Modal Verbs: Modal verbs never use “zu”. For example:
- Wrong: Ich muss zu gehen.
- Correct: Ich muss gehen. (I have to go.)
- Confusing Separable Verbs: Remember to place “zu” between the prefix and the main verb:
- Wrong: Ich habe vergessen, anzurufen die Mutter.
- Correct: Ich habe vergessen, die Mutter anzurufen. (I forgot to call the mother.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between using “zu” and not using “zu”?
Verbs of perception (like sehen or hören) and modal verbs don’t require “zu”, while many others (e.g., versuchen, hoffen) do. It depends on whether the verb naturally takes an infinitive construction.
2. Can “zu” be used with all verbs?
No. As noted, modal verbs and certain verbs like lassen, gehen, and bleiben skip the “zu” in infinitive sentences.
3. How do separable verbs work with “zu”?
Separable verbs split when using “zu”. For example, anzurufen splits into an + zu + rufen when combined.
4. How do I know when to use “zu” or “dass”?
If the subject of both clauses is the same, a “zu” infinitive can replace a dass-clause to shorten and simplify the sentence.
Conclusion
Mastering “zu” infinitives is crucial for anyone learning German. Whether you’re discussing plans, desires, or making suggestions, understanding which verbs require “zu” and which don’t will significantly enhance your fluency. Keep practicing and refining your skills to use these structures effortlessly.