sein + zu + Infinitive
Modal-Like Passive (Sein + Zu)
The sein + zu + infinitive construction is a formal alternative to the passive voice combined with modal verbs like müssen (must) or können (can). It describes what needs to be done or what can be done.
How It Works
The sein + zu + infinitive pattern is primarily found in formal writing, such as academic texts, legal documents, and technical manuals. It functions as a passive substitute with two main meanings:
1. Necessity (müssen/sollen): Indicates that something must or should be done. This is common with many action verbs.
Example: Die Formulare sind bis morgen auszufüllen. (The forms must be filled out by tomorrow.)
2. Possibility (können): Indicates that something can be done. This is the standard interpretation for verbs of perception (like sehen, hören, finden) and is often reinforced by adverbs like leicht (easily) or kaum (hardly).
Example: Die Handschrift ist kaum zu lesen. (The handwriting can hardly be read.)
Key Rules:
- Verb Types: While most frequently used with transitive verbs, it also appears in impersonal constructions with certain intransitive verbs (e.g., Es ist mit Regen zu rechnen).
- Word Order: The conjugated form of sein stays in the second position, and the zu + infinitive goes to the end of the clause.
- Separable Verbs: For separable verbs, the 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the root (e.g., aufzuräumen).
Examples (5)
- Die Hausaufgaben sind bis Montag zu erledigen.
The homework must be completed by Monday.
Word by Word: The homework are until Monday to complete.
Here, the pattern expresses necessity (müssen). The homework is the subject, but it is receiving the action.
- Dieses Problem ist leicht zu lösen.
This problem can be easily solved.
Word by Word: This problem is easily to solve.
The adverb 'leicht' (easily) signals that this expresses possibility (können) rather than necessity.
- Die Sicherheitsvorschriften sind unbedingt zu beachten.
The safety regulations must be strictly observed.
Word by Word: The safety regulations are absolutely to observe.
A typical formal instruction found in manuals or official documents.
- Der Fehler war nirgends zu finden.
The error could not be found anywhere.
Word by Word: The error was nowhere to find.
This shows the pattern in the Präteritum (past tense). It expresses a lack of possibility.
- Das Fenster ist sofort zuzumachen.
The window must be closed immediately.
Word by Word: The window is immediately to-close.
Demonstrates a separable verb (zumachen). The 'zu' is inserted between the prefix 'zu-' and the root 'machen'.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the 'zu' before the infinitive.
Das Buch ist lesen.Das Buch ist zu lesen.Unlike standard modal verbs (können, müssen), this passive substitute requires the 'zu' before the infinitive.
Confusing 'sein + zu' (passive) with 'haben + zu' (active).
Ich bin die Arbeit zu machen.Ich habe die Arbeit zu machen.'Sein + zu' has a passive meaning (The work must be done). If you want to say 'I have to do the work' (active), you must use 'haben + zu'.
Forgetting 'zu' in impersonal constructions with intransitive verbs.
Es ist mit Verzögerungen rechnen.Es ist mit Verzögerungen zu rechnen.While most common with transitive verbs, this pattern also appears in impersonal constructions with intransitive verbs, such as 'Es ist mit... zu rechnen' (Delays are to be expected). It still needs 'zu'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the 'sein + zu + infinitive' construction, you must be comfortable with the conjugation of 'sein' and the placement of 'zu' before an infinitive at the end of a sentence. Additionally, because this structure conveys a passive meaning (something 'can' or 'must' be done), familiarity with the standard German passive voice helps in recognizing when and why this modal-like alternative is used.
- zu + InfinitiveInfinitive with Zu
This pattern utilizes the 'zu + infinitive' structure at the end of the clause, which is a fundamental component of the construction.
Level 3 - Process Passive (werden)
Since 'sein + zu' functions as a passive substitute expressing necessity or possibility, understanding the basic passive voice is essential for grasping its meaning.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Passive With Modal Verbs
The more common way to express necessity or possibility in the passive voice using 'müssen' or 'können' + 'werden'.
Level 3 - sich lassen + InfinitivePassive-Like Construction (Sich Lassen)
Another passive substitute that specifically expresses possibility (can be done).
Level 4 - man (Passiversatz)Man Instead of Passive
A less formal way to avoid the passive voice while still focusing on the action rather than a specific person.
Level 4 - habenTo Have (Haben)
The active counterpart 'haben + zu' expresses that the subject has an obligation to perform an action.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice sein + zu + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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