Infinitive in German
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Lesson outline
HideWhat is the infinitive in German?
There is no expression of numerus (grammatical number) and person in the infinitive form of a verb. In this lesson you will learn about the infinitive with or without "zu" and how you use them. The infinitive verb is placed at the end.
For example: Es dauert lange, durch die Innenstadt zu gehen.
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Infinitive verbs with zu
A lot of verbs need an infinitive form with zu.
| explanation | verb | example with "zu" | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| effort/ plan | sich bemühen, planen, versuchen | Ich versuche, still zu halten. | I try to hold still |
| verbs that express opinions | denken, erwarten, vermuten | Ich vermute, den Einbrecher gesehen zu haben. | I suspect to have seen the burglar |
| verbs that express agreements | abmachen, beschließen, vereinbaren | Ich beschließe, meine Wohnung zu verlassen. | I decide to leave my apartment |
| verbs that express a start | beginnen, anfangen | Ich beginne mich wohl zu fühlen. | I start to feel well |
| verbs that express a decision | sich verpflichten, sich weigern | Ich weigere mich, meinen Platz zu verlassen. | I refuse to leave my spot |
The construction of the infinitive verbs with "zu"
There are to forms of using zu (zu or um ...zu).
1.The infinitive verb is widened with zu. Both are placed at the end of a sentence.
Ich kann bald lesen und schreiben. -> Ich hoffe, bald lesen und schreiben zu können.
Willst du die Kirche besichtigen? -> Hast du Lust, die Kirche zu besichtigen?
2. The construction with um ... zu differs. It is equivalent to the English construction "(in order) to" plus the infinitive of the verb. Um is at the beginning of the infinitive-sentence.
Esse einen Apfel, um gesund zu bleiben!
Um dick zu werden, muss man viel essen.
Pay attention, if you are using separable verbs."Zu" is placed between both parts of the verb.
| verb | infinitive | example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| abfahren | abzufahren | Um abzufahren, müssen die Türen geschlossen sein. | To drive off, the doors must be closed |
| abreisen | abzureisen | Um abzureisen, müssen die Koffer gepackt sein. | To travel, the bags must be packed. |
Infinitive without zu
We use only the infinitive form, if the following verb is used...
| explanation of the verb | verb | example without zu | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| modal verbs | können, dürfen, sollen | Du sollst dein Zimmer aufräumen. | You are supposed to clean up your room |
| perception | sehen, hören, spüren | Ich höre Sophia schreien. | I hear Sophia scream |
| motion | gehen, kommen, fahren | Er fährt sie besuchen. | He drives to visit her |
| lassen | Er lässt sie fahren. | He lets her drive | |
| bleiben | Er bleibt vor ihr stehen. | He stays in front of her | |
| finden, haben | Sie hat ihre Flasche auf dem Boden stehen. | She has her bottle standing on the floor |
Now, that you have learned about the usage of infinitive verbs move on to our exercises to improve your knowledge.
Exercises
- Exercise of infinitive (separable / not separable)
- Exercise of infinitive verbs
- Exercise of the infinitive verbs
Exercise of infinitive (separable / not separable)
Exercise of infinitive verbs
Exercise of the infinitive verbs
Exercises
- Exercise of infinitive (separable / not separable)
- Exercise of infinitive verbs
- Exercise of the infinitive verbs
Exercise of infinitive (separable / not separable)
Exercise of infinitive verbs
Exercise of the infinitive verbs
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Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
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