um...zu

In Order to (Um...zu)

Level 3

The um...zu construction is used to explain why someone is doing something. It translates to 'in order to' or 'so as to' in English.

How It Works

The um...zu construction is a 'final clause' (purpose clause) that answers the question Wozu? (What for?).

Key Rules:

  • Same Subject: You normally use this pattern when the person doing the main action is also the person who carries out the purpose. The subject is not repeated in the um...zu clause. If the purpose clause needs its own new subject, you must use a damit clause instead.
  • Indefinite Subject: This construction is also used when the logical subject is the indefinite man (e.g., Man braucht Geld, um zu leben.).
  • Word Order: The clause begins with um, followed by any objects or adverbs, and ends with zu + the infinitive verb.
  • Separable Verbs: If the verb is a separable verb, the zu is placed between the prefix and the base verb (e.g., einzukaufen).
  • Modal Verbs: While verbs like wollen (to want) or sollen (should) are redundant and omitted, the modal verb können is frequently used to express ability (e.g., Ich lerne Deutsch, um mich verständigen zu können.).
  • Punctuation: You must always place a comma before um to separate the purpose clause from the main clause.

Placement: While usually following the main clause, the um...zu clause can also come first. If it does, the main clause must follow verb-second word order (e.g., Um fit zu bleiben, jogge ich.).

Examples (5)

  1. Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.

    I am learning German in order to work in Berlin.

    Word by Word: I learn German, in order in Berlin to work.

    The subject 'Ich' is the same for both learning and working.

  2. Er spart Geld, um ein neues Auto zu kaufen.

    He is saving money to buy a new car.

    Word by Word: He saves money, in order a new car to buy.

    Note how 'um' and 'zu' are separated by the object 'ein neues Auto'.

  3. Wir gehen in den Supermarkt, um einzukaufen.

    We are going to the supermarket to shop.

    Word by Word: We go into the supermarket, in order to-shop.

    For the separable verb 'einkaufen', the 'zu' is inserted: 'ein-zu-kaufen'.

  4. Um gesund zu bleiben, esse ich viel Obst.

    In order to stay healthy, I eat a lot of fruit.

    Word by Word: In order healthy to stay, eat I much fruit.

    When the 'um...zu' clause comes first, the main verb 'esse' must come immediately after the comma.

  5. Sie braucht eine Brille, um besser zu sehen.

    She needs glasses in order to see better.

    Word by Word: She needs glasses, in order better to see.

    This answers the question: 'What does she need glasses for?'

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'um...zu' when the subjects are different.

    Ich helfe dir, um du die Hausaufgaben machst.
    Ich helfe dir, damit du die Hausaufgaben machst.

    If the subjects are different (I help, YOU do), you cannot use 'um...zu'. You must use 'damit'.

  • Adding 'um' to every infinitive clause.

    Ich hoffe, um dich bald zu sehen.
    Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen.

    Only use 'um' if you are expressing a specific purpose (in order to). Verbs like 'hoffen' (to hope) or 'versuchen' (to try) just take a plain 'zu' infinitive.

  • Incorrect 'zu' placement with separable verbs.

    Ich stehe früh auf, um zu ausgehen.
    Ich stehe früh auf, um auszugehen.

    With separable verbs, 'zu' must be placed between the prefix and the verb root as one word.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

um...zuLevel 3In Order to (Um...zu)

Learn This First

To learn 'um...zu', you first need to understand how basic infinitive clauses work in German. Since 'um...zu' functions as a subordinate clause, you must be comfortable with placing the verb (in its infinitive form) at the end of the phrase. Additionally, a solid grasp of basic sentence structure and verb conjugation in the main clause is necessary to provide the context for why an action is being performed.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern