zijn + te + Infinitive

Level 4

The zijn + te + infinitive pattern (modal passive) describes a characteristic of the subject: whether it is possible or necessary to perform an action on it. It is a concise alternative to using worden with kunnen or moeten.

How It Works

The zijn + te + infinitive construction is often called the 'modal passive' because it combines modality (possibility/necessity) with a passive meaning. The grammatical subject is typically the logical object of the verb.

1. Meaning: Possibility vs. Necessity
Depending on the context, this pattern replaces two different structures:

  • Possibility: Replaces kunnen worden (can be). Example: Dat is te doen (That is doable). This construction often functions as a more flexible alternative to adjectives ending in the suffix -baar (e.g., repareerbaar vs. te repareren).
  • Necessity: Replaces moeten worden (must be). This is common in formal or instructional contexts. Example: De formulieren zijn voor vrijdag in te vullen.

2. Passive vs. Active: Zijn vs. Hebben
It is important to distinguish this passive construction from hebben + te + infinitive. While zijn te is passive (something is to be done), hebben te is active and expresses a strong obligation for the subject (someone has to do something). For example: Je hebt je te gedragen (You are to behave yourself).

3. The Alternative Verb 'Vallen'
In addition to zijn, the verb vallen (to fall) is frequently used in this construction to express possibility. It is especially common in fixed expressions like er valt niets te doen (there is nothing to be done) or dat valt te betwijfelen (that is to be doubted).

4. Impersonal 'Er' and Dummy Subjects
This pattern frequently appears with er as a placeholder subject (e.g., Er is niets te zien). In cases of extraposition, a dummy subject het is used when the logical object is a whole clause: Het is te hopen dat het lukt (It is to be hoped that it succeeds).

5. Word Order and Separable Verbs
The verb zijn (or vallen) is conjugated to match the subject, followed by te and the infinitive at the end. For separable verbs, te is placed between the prefix and the verb stem (e.g., in te vullen).

6. Attributive Use (Gerundivum)
When this pattern is used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., de te schrijven brief - the letter to be written), it is technically known as a gerundivum. In this case, the te + infinitive acts as a participle-like modifier indicating future action or necessity.

7. Nuance
Adding adverbs like gemakkelijk (easily) or nauwelijks (hardly) emphasizes the 'possibility' aspect (e.g., Het is nauwelijks te zien - It is hardly visible).

Examples (6)

  1. De resultaten zijn op onze website te vinden.

    The results can be found on our website.

    Word by Word: The results are on our website to find.

    Here, the pattern expresses possibility, acting as a shorter version of 'kunnen worden gevonden'.

  2. De instructies zijn strikt te volgen.

    The instructions are to be followed strictly.

    Word by Word: The instructions are strictly to follow.

    This formal example expresses necessity, meaning the instructions 'must be followed'.

  3. Er valt niets aan de situatie te doen.

    There is nothing to be done about the situation.

    Word by Word: There falls nothing to the situation to do.

    The verb 'vallen' is a common alternative to zijn in this construction, often used to indicate what is possible or available.

  4. Dat verhaal is echt niet te geloven!

    That story is really unbelievable!

    Word by Word: That story is really not to believe!

    A very common idiomatic use expressing that something cannot be believed, functioning like the adjective 'ongelooflijk'.

  5. Deze paddenstoelen zijn niet te eten.

    These mushrooms are inedible (cannot be eaten).

    Word by Word: These mushrooms are not to eat.

    Using 'niet te' + infinitive often describes a negative quality, serving as an alternative to the suffix -baar (e.g., 'eetbaar').

  6. Dat valt nog te bezien.

    That remains to be seen.

    Word by Word: That falls still to see.

    This is a fixed expression using 'vallen' to express that something is still a matter of possibility or uncertainty.

Common Mistakes

  • Using an intransitive verb (a verb without an object).

    Hij is te slapen.
    Hij moet slapen.

    The 'zijn te' pattern is passive. Since 'slapen' (to sleep) doesn't take an object, it cannot be used in this construction. You should use a modal verb like 'moeten' instead.

  • Adding 'om' before 'te'.

    Dat is om te doen.
    Dat is te doen.

    While om te is used for purpose, the modal passive 'zijn te' never uses 'om'. Adding 'om' changes the meaning to 'That is [there] in order to do'.

  • Using 'zijn te' with a person as the subject, which means 'I can be understood'.

    Different MeaningIk ben te begrijpen.
    Ik kan het begrijpen.

    In 'zijn te', the subject is the thing being acted upon. 'Ik ben te begrijpen' means 'I am understandable' (others can understand me), not 'I can understand [something]'.

How It Connects

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zijn + te + InfinitiveLevel 4

Learn This First

To understand the 'zijn te + infinitive' construction, you first need to be comfortable conjugating the verb 'zijn' and using the 'te + infinitive' structure. This pattern is a specific way to express possibility or necessity (e.g., 'it is to be done') and functions similarly to a passive voice construction.

Words in This Pattern

te