Infinitive in German
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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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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 |
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. |
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.
Fill in the blanks with the right infinitive form (either with "zu" or without "zu"). The related verbs are shown in the brackets. If you think that the form with 'zu' is correct, put it in the first free space and the verb into the second one.
Example: Ich hoffe, die Prüfung zu schaffen. (I hope to pass the exam.)
Sie hat ihre Flasche auf dem Boden . (stehen / to stand)
Ich vermute, die Schwester gesehen . (haben / to have)
Ich beginne mich schlecht . (fühlen / to feel)
Er lässt sie den LKW . (fahren / to drive)
Sie fährt ihn in Stuttgart . (besuchen / to visit)
Ich weigere mich, deinen Vorschlag . (annehmen / to accept)
Er hat sein Handy auf dem Tisch . (liegen / to lie)
Es ist zu früh sich . (anziehen / to get dressed)
Wie blöd von mir, es nicht . (mitbringen / to bring)
Man muss viel Sport machen,
gesund um zu bleiben.
um gesund zu bleiben.
Wir gehen zu einem Aussichtspunkt,
um über die Gegend zu sehen.
über die Gegend um zu sehen.
Es dauert lange,
durch die Stadt fahrzuren.
durch die Stadt zu fahren.
Haben Sie Lust,
um zu gehen Kaffe trinken?
einen Kaffee trinken zu gehen?
Hat Sie Lust,
nachher an den Strand zu fahren.
nachher an den Strand fahrzuren.
Ich habe vergessen,
die Milch mitzubringen.
um die Milch mitzubringen.
Ich habe Lust,
ins Kino zu gehen.
ins Kino gehen zu.
Ich lerne Deutsch,
in Deutschland um zu studieren.
um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Man muss viel Sport machen,
um gesund zu bleiben.
Wir gehen zu einem Aussichtspunkt,
um über die Gegend zu sehen.
Es dauert lange,
durch die Stadt zu fahren.
Haben Sie Lust,
einen Kaffee trinken zu gehen?
Hat Sie Lust,
nachher an den Strand zu fahren.
Ich habe vergessen,
die Milch mitzubringen.
Ich habe Lust,
ins Kino gehen zu.
Ich lerne Deutsch,
um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Fill in the blanks with the right infinitive form (either with "zu" or without "zu"). The related verbs are shown in the brackets. If you think that the form with 'zu' is correct, put it in the first free space and the verb into the second one.
Example: Ich hoffe, die Prüfung zu schaffen. (I hope to pass the exam.)
Sie hat ihre Flasche auf dem Boden . (stehen / to stand)
Ich vermute, die Schwester gesehen . (haben / to have)
Ich beginne mich schlecht . (fühlen / to feel)
Er lässt sie den LKW . (fahren / to drive)
Sie fährt ihn in Stuttgart . (besuchen / to visit)
Ich weigere mich, deinen Vorschlag . (annehmen / to accept)
Er hat sein Handy auf dem Tisch . (liegen / to lie)
Es ist zu früh sich . (anziehen / to get dressed)
Wie blöd von mir, es nicht . (mitbringen / to bring)
Man muss viel Sport machen,
um gesund zu bleiben.
gesund um zu bleiben.
Wir gehen zu einem Aussichtspunkt,
über die Gegend um zu sehen.
um über die Gegend zu sehen.
Es dauert lange,
durch die Stadt fahrzuren.
durch die Stadt zu fahren.
Haben Sie Lust,
einen Kaffee trinken zu gehen?
um zu gehen Kaffe trinken?
Hat Sie Lust,
nachher an den Strand zu fahren.
nachher an den Strand fahrzuren.
Ich habe vergessen,
um die Milch mitzubringen.
die Milch mitzubringen.
Ich habe Lust,
ins Kino zu gehen.
ins Kino gehen zu.
Ich lerne Deutsch,
in Deutschland um zu studieren.
um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Man muss viel Sport machen,
um gesund zu bleiben.
Wir gehen zu einem Aussichtspunkt,
um über die Gegend zu sehen.
Es dauert lange,
durch die Stadt zu fahren.
Haben Sie Lust,
einen Kaffee trinken zu gehen?
Hat Sie Lust,
nachher an den Strand zu fahren.
Ich habe vergessen,
die Milch mitzubringen.
Ich habe Lust,
ins Kino gehen zu.
Ich lerne Deutsch,
um in Deutschland zu studieren.
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My lessons are needs-oriented. That means that learning goals are discussed with you and based on your level of knowledge. Whether grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, expression or the practice of communication situations: German as a foreign and second language classes are flexible and take place in a group or one-to-one lessons with individual support and are based on your wishes and requirements. The teaching of content and topics takes place according to the respective language level. Building vocabulary, grammar and means of speaking are structured and conveyed logically building on each other. Let's get to know each other in a free trial class. I am looking forward to meeting you!
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Thanks to many years of experience, I offer you professional language instruction via Skype.
I am a native speaker (bilingual German and English) and have been working with Skype for over 9 years. The courses are optimally tailored to your language level and job description. Arrange a trial lesson.
Proficient handling of everyday German, leading to various certificates (Goethe Certificates, DaF etc.), specific courses for the professional field (hotel, tourism, law, medicine - FACHSPRACHENPRÜFUNG MEDIZIN, technology, business.....).
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I'm learning German with Belinda (currently B1) and I am trying to do a final push, so i can finally start speaking. Classes are very well prepared and structured. The book/ books used in the class have exercises that actually make your brain work and are not always easy to do ( this is for people who had experience with easy and boring grammar materials). We play dialogues, we have conversations through which the teacher understands where I am with my level and is trying to make adjustments to the program. And there's a lot of homework (when you ask for it) !!! : )
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Coucou c'est moi Lore, I'm your French teacher & mentor for the next month!
One month French Bootcamp is an intensive and immersive 30-day French crash course.
The perfect option if you want to see quick results. ?
Send me a message to know my current levels and time of study group.
Each lesson is 60 mn
Access to the video record of the live lesson
My 30-day conversational French online course is by far my most popular option.
With a focus on casual conversation, this group class meets 5 times a week for 1 hour.
Free assessment test to see what is your level.
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Lore is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher. She supports her students and create personalized material for them. Great teacher!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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Hi, I am Christin!
After training as a pastry chef and studying business administration, I traveled a lot and discovered my interest in languages. To find out more about teaching languages, I decided on further training at the Goethe Institute and completed it. During the Goethe Institute "Learn to teach German" course I was able to give individual language lessons and actively support the examination preparation for the Goethe certificate.
My lessons are needs-oriented. That means that learning goals are discussed with you and based on your level of knowledge. Whether grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, expression or the practice of communication situations: German as a foreign and second language classes are flexible and take place in a group or one-to-one lessons with individual support and are based on your wishes and requirements. The teaching of content and topics takes place according to the respective language level. Building vocabulary, grammar and means of speaking are structured and conveyed logically building on each other. Let's get to know each other in a free trial class. I am looking forward to meeting you!
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Hello, my name is Katerina und I’m a qualified German teacher with 8 years teaching experience.
I would like to help you to master the German language. You will get your personal online lesson via Skype.
If you are interested in learning this world language, just contact me –
I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
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Very expert and nice teacher. Organized, professional, she made my German lessons a pleasant experience. Customized learning materials according to you needs and interests. Highly recommended!
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Dear Silvia, thank you very much!
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1 The infinitive in German (um…zu, ohne… zu) | Learn everything about the use of the German infinitive with 'um..zu' and 'ohne..zu' |
2 The double infinitive in German | Learn about how to form and to use the German double infinitive |