(an)statt...zu
Instead of -ing ((An)statt...zu)
The construction (an)statt...zu is used to describe an alternative action. It translates to 'instead of -ing' in English. It connects a main clause with an infinitive clause.
How It Works
The structure (an)statt...zu is a powerful way to express substitution in German.
1. Structure and Word Order:
The word statt or anstatt (they are interchangeable, though anstatt is slightly more formal) starts the subordinate clause. The verb, in its infinitive form with zu, must be placed at the very end of that clause. A comma is mandatory to separate the main clause from the infinitive clause.
2. The Subject Rule:
You can only use this construction if the subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause is the same person or thing. If the subjects are different, you must use a dass-clause (specifically statt dass...).
3. Separable Verbs:
If you use separable verbs, the zu is placed between the prefix and the base verb (e.g., aufzustehen, einzukaufen).
4. Comparison with Prepositions:
Do not confuse this with the genitive preposition statt, which is followed by a noun (e.g., Statt eines Apfels...) rather than a verb.
Examples (4)
- Anstatt zu arbeiten, schläft er.
Instead of working, he is sleeping.
Word by Word: Instead to work, sleeps he.
Here, 'anstatt' starts the clause and 'zu arbeiten' ends it. The subject 'er' (he) is the one who should be working but is sleeping instead.
- Er bleibt zu Hause, statt ins Kino zu gehen.
He stays at home instead of going to the cinema.
Word by Word: He stays at home, instead into the cinema to go.
The infinitive 'zu gehen' is placed at the very end of the 'statt' clause.
- Du solltest mir helfen, anstatt nur zuzusehen.
You should help me instead of just watching.
Word by Word: You should me help, instead only to-watch.
For the separable verb 'zusehen', the 'zu' is inserted between the prefix 'zu-' and the verb 'sehen', resulting in 'zuzusehen'.
- Ich trinke Wasser, statt Saft zu bestellen.
I am drinking water instead of ordering juice.
Word by Word: I drink water, instead juice to order.
The object 'Saft' comes after 'statt' but before the infinitive 'zu bestellen'.
Common Mistakes
Using the construction when subjects are different.
Ich gehe spazieren, statt du arbeitest zu.Ich gehe spazieren, statt dass du arbeitest.The 'zu' infinitive only works if the same person is doing both things. If the subjects are different (I vs. You), you must use 'statt dass'.
Incorrect 'zu' placement with separable verbs.
Anstatt zu aufstehen, blieb er liegen.Anstatt aufzustehen, blieb er liegen.With separable verbs, 'zu' must go between the prefix and the verb stem.
Forgetting the mandatory comma.
Er lacht statt zu weinen.Er lacht, statt zu weinen.In German, infinitive clauses introduced by 'statt', 'ohne', or 'um' must be set off by a comma.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn '(an)statt...zu', you first need to understand how basic infinitive clauses with 'zu' are formed. Since these clauses often act as introductory elements in a sentence, you must also be comfortable with German verb-second (V2) word order and how subordinate structures interact with the main clause.
Related Patterns
- um...zuIn Order to (Um...zu)
Both are infinitive constructions with a fixed meaning; 'um...zu' expresses purpose, while '(an)statt...zu' expresses substitution.
Level 3 - ohne...zuWithout -ing (Ohne...zu)
This is the semantic counterpart, meaning 'without -ing' instead of 'instead of -ing'.
Level 3 - dassThat (Dass)
When the subjects of the two clauses are different, the 'statt...zu' construction must be replaced by a 'statt dass' clause.
Level 2 - Genitive Prepositions
The word 'statt' can also function as a preposition followed by a noun in the genitive case.
Level 3 - Separable Verbs
Separable verbs require the 'zu' to be placed between the prefix and the stem in this construction.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice (an)statt...zu in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes German lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
