vermögen + zu + Infinitive

To Be Capable of (Vermögen Zu)

Level 4

vermögen zu is a high-register (formal) way to say 'to be able to' or 'to be capable of'. It is much more formal than können and is primarily found in literature or academic writing.

How It Works

The verb vermögen functions as a full verb that requires an infinitive with zu.

1. Conjugation:
Linguistically, it is a Präteritopräsens (preterite-present verb), similar to modal verbs. It features a vowel change in the present tense singular:

  • ich vermag
  • du vermagst
  • er/sie/es vermag
  • wir vermögen

In the past, it uses the weak ending -te: vermochte (Präteritum).

2. Perfekt Construction:
Unlike modal verbs, vermögen does not use a double infinitive in the Perfekt. It uses the regular past participle: Er hat es nicht vermocht, die Tür zu öffnen.

3. Usage and Register:
This pattern belongs to the gehobene Sprache (elevated language). It suggests an internal capability or power (related to the Noun das Vermögen, meaning assets or ability).

4. The Correlative 'es':
Sometimes, the placeholder es is used to point toward the following infinitive clause: Er vermochte es nicht, die Wahrheit zu sagen.

Examples (4)

  1. Niemand vermag die Zukunft mit Sicherheit vorherzusagen.

    No one is capable of predicting the future with certainty.

    Word by Word: No one is-capable the future with certainty to-predict.

    This uses the present tense 'vermag' to describe a general human limitation in a formal tone.

  2. Trotz aller Bemühungen vermochte er die Situation nicht zu klären.

    Despite all efforts, he was not able to clarify the situation.

    Word by Word: Despite all efforts was-capable he the situation not to clarify.

    Here, the Präteritum 'vermochte' is used to describe a specific past failure in a formal narrative.

  3. Worte allein vermögen diesen Schmerz kaum auszudrücken.

    Words alone are hardly capable of expressing this pain.

    Word by Word: Words alone are-capable this pain hardly to-express.

    This example shows the plural form 'vermögen' and the common use of the pattern to describe emotional or abstract limits.

  4. Was der Mensch zu leisten vermag, ist beeindruckend.

    What man is capable of achieving is impressive.

    Word by Word: What the human to achieve is-capable, is impressive.

    A positive usage of the pattern, emphasizing the inherent potential or power of a person.

Common Mistakes

  • Treating 'vermögen' like a modal verb by omitting 'zu'.

    Er vermag das nicht tun.
    Er vermag das nicht zu tun.

    Unlike modal verbs like 'können', 'vermögen' requires the 'zu' before the infinitive.

  • Using the wrong conjugation in the present tense.

    Er vermögt es nicht.
    Er vermag es nicht.

    The verb undergoes a stem change in the singular present tense (vermögen -> vermag).

  • Using the pattern in a casual, everyday context.

    Ich vermag heute nicht zum Training zu kommen.
    Ich kann heute nicht zum Training kommen.

    Using 'vermögen' for mundane tasks like going to practice sounds unnaturally stiff or arrogant. Use 'können' for daily life.

How It Connects

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

vermögen + zu + InfinitiveLevel 4To Be Capable of (Vermögen Zu)

Learn This First

To understand 'vermögen zu', you need to be familiar with how German uses 'zu' with infinitives to extend a verb's meaning. It is also helpful to understand the basic concept of expressing ability (usually done with 'können') and how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense.

Words in This Pattern

vermögen