zu + Infinitive
Infinitive with Zu
The Infinitive with zu is used to connect two actions, usually with the same subject. It functions like the English 'to' in 'I hope to see you'.
How It Works
The Infinitive with zu is a versatile tool in German syntax. It is primarily used in three scenarios:
1. After specific verbs: Verbs like versuchen (to try), hoffen (to hope), planen (to plan), and vergessen (to forget).
2. After specific nouns: Often paired with haben, such as Lust haben (to feel like), Zeit haben (to have time), or Angst haben (to be afraid).
3. After adjectives: Used with es ist..., like es ist wichtig (it is important) or es ist schön (it is nice).
Word Order and Morphology:
- The zu + infinitive typically follows the main clause and stands at the very end. However, for stylistic emphasis, the entire infinitive clause can be fronted (e.g., Pünktlich zu sein, ist wichtig).
- For inseparable verbs, zu stands alone before the verb: zu verstehen.
- For separable verbs, zu is placed between the prefix and the stem, forming one word: aufzustehen.
Comma Rules:
In German, a comma before an infinitive-with-zu clause is optional in most cases, regardless of length (e.g., both Ich hoffe zu gewinnen and Ich hoffe, den ersten Preis zu gewinnen are correct). The comma is mandatory when the clause depends on a noun (e.g., Hast du Lust, heute Abend auszugehen?), is announced by a reference word like es, das, or daran, or introduced by an expression such as anstatt, außer, ohne, or um (e.g., Ich habe leider keine Zeit, das zu erledigen). Many writers still add a comma for longer clauses to improve readability, but this is a stylistic choice, not a grammatical requirement.
Conjunctional Constructions:
This structure is also the basis for three important conjunctional phrases: um... zu (in order to), ohne... zu (without ...ing), and (an)statt... zu (instead of ...ing).
Important Note: Do NOT use zu with modal verbs (können, müssen, etc.), verbs of perception/movement (sehen, hören, gehen), or the verb lassen. Verbs like helfen, lehren, and lernen are flexible: they take a bare infinitive in short phrases (Ich lerne tanzen), but usually require zu in more complex constructions (Ich lerne, fließend Deutsch zu sprechen).
Examples (4)
- Ich versuche, jeden Tag Sport zu machen.
I am trying to do sports every day.
Word by Word: I try, every day sport to do.
The verb 'versuchen' triggers the infinitive clause. 'Zu' comes before the infinitive 'machen' at the end.
- Hast du Lust, heute Abend auszugehen?
Do you feel like going out tonight?
Word by Word: Have you desire, today evening out-to-go?
For the separable verb 'ausgehen', 'zu' is inserted between the prefix 'aus' and the stem 'gehen'.
- Es ist schwierig, diese Regel zu erklären.
It is difficult to explain this rule.
Word by Word: It is difficult, this rule to explain.
The adjective 'schwierig' is followed by an infinitive clause to specify what is difficult.
- Ich hoffe, dich bald wiederzusehen.
I hope to see you again soon.
Word by Word: I hope, you soon again-to-see.
Another example of a separable verb (wiedersehen) where 'zu' is placed in the middle.
Common Mistakes
Using 'zu' with modal verbs.
Ich muss zu arbeiten.Ich muss arbeiten.Modal verbs like 'müssen', 'können', and 'wollen' never take 'zu'. They use a bare infinitive.
Incorrect 'zu' placement with separable verbs.
Ich versuche zu aufstehen.Ich versuche aufzustehen.With separable verbs, 'zu' must be placed between the prefix and the verb stem as one word.
Using an infinitive clause with 'hoffen' when the subjects are different.
Ich hoffe, du zu kommen.Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.With verbs like 'hoffen', the infinitive clause works only if the subject is the same. If the subjects are different, use a 'dass-clause'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the 'infinitive with zu' pattern, you need to be comfortable with German sentence structure, specifically how infinitives are placed at the end of a clause. You also need to know how to handle separable verbs, as the 'zu' particle behaves differently with them, and recognize that these constructions often act as a simplified alternative to 'dass' clauses.
- Modal Verb Construction
Learners must first understand how German uses a main verb in the infinitive at the end of a sentence before learning how to add the 'zu' particle in similar structures.
Level 1 - Separable Verbs
Understanding separable verbs is essential because the 'zu' particle is inserted between the prefix and the base verb (e.g., auf-zu-stehen).
Level 2 - Verb-Final In Subordinate Clauses
Infinitive clauses with 'zu' function similarly to subordinate clauses, requiring the infinitive (and the 'zu' marker) to be placed at the very end of the clause.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- um...zuIn Order to (Um...zu)
A specific type of infinitive clause used to express purpose ('in order to').
Level 3 - dassThat (Dass)
The alternative to an infinitive clause when the subjects of the two clauses are different.
Level 2 - brauchen + zu + InfinitiveNeed to (Brauchen + Zu)
A specific verb that often behaves like a modal but grammatically requires 'zu'.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- (an)statt...zuInstead of -ing ((An)statt...zu)Level 3
- es (Korrelat)Correlative Es for Extraposed ClausesLevel 4
- gedenken + zu + InfinitiveTo Intend to (Gedenken Zu)Level 4
- pflegen + zu + InfinitiveTo Be in the Habit of (Pflegen Zu)Level 4
- sein + zu + InfinitiveModal-Like Passive (Sein + Zu)Level 4
- vermögen + zu + InfinitiveTo Be Capable of (Vermögen Zu)Level 4
- es (Platzhalter)Es as Subject Placeholder for a ClauseLevel 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice zu + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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