gedenken + zu + Infinitive

To Intend to (Gedenken Zu)

Level 4

The verb gedenken followed by an infinitive with zu is a high-level, formal way to say 'to intend' or 'to plan' to do something. It is typically found in official documents, journalism, or formal speeches.

How It Works

1. Usage and Register
Gedenken zu is classified as gehoben (elevated). It is not used in casual conversation. If you use it with friends, it sounds ironically stiff or archaic. However, it is the standard for formal inquiries or legal contexts.

2. Sentence Structure
The conjugated form of gedenken sits in the second position (in a main clause), and the action being intended appears at the end of the sentence as an infinitive with zu.

3. Conjugation and Tense
Gedenken is a mixed verb. It changes its stem vowel but uses weak endings:

  • Präsens: ich gedenke, er gedenkt
  • Präteritum: er gedachte (stem change + -te)
  • Perfekt: er hat gedacht (Note: No double 'ge-' prefix)

Note: The Perfekt is almost never used to mean 'to intend'; it is usually reserved for the meaning 'to commemorate'.

4. The 'Genitive' Trap
Be careful: gedenken has two distinct meanings based on the grammar used:

  • gedenken + zu-Infinitive: To intend to do something.
  • gedenken + Genitive: To commemorate/remember someone (e.g., Wir gedenken der Toten).

Examples (4)

  1. Ich gedenke nicht, mich vor Ihnen zu rechtfertigen.

    I do not intend to justify myself to you.

    Word by Word: I intend not, myself before you to justify.

    This demonstrates a firm, formal refusal using the negative 'nicht' with the infinitive clause.

  2. Wie gedenkt die Regierung, dieses Problem zu lösen?

    How does the government intend to solve this problem?

    Word by Word: How intends the government, this problem to solve?

    A classic example of 'gedenken' used in a political or journalistic inquiry.

  3. Sie gedachten, den Vertrag noch in dieser Woche zu unterzeichnen.

    They intended to sign the contract within this week.

    Word by Word: They intended, the contract still in this week to sign.

    This uses the Präteritum (simple past) form 'gedachten' to describe a past intention.

  4. Wir gedenken, die Produktion im nächsten Jahr zu erweitern.

    We intend to expand production next year.

    Word by Word: We intend, the production in the next year to expand.

    Common in formal business reports or official company announcements.

Common Mistakes

  • Forming the past tense of 'gedenken' like a regular weak verb.

    Sie gedenkte, den Vertrag zu unterzeichnen.
    Sie gedachte, den Vertrag zu unterzeichnen.

    'Gedenken' is a mixed verb like 'denken', so its past tense changes the vowel: 'gedachte', not 'gedenkte'. The Perfekt is rare when expressing intention, so the Präteritum is the usual choice.

  • Confusing the 'intention' meaning with the 'commemoration' meaning.

    Ich gedenke die Toten zu.
    Ich gedenke der Toten.

    If you want to say 'commemorate,' you must use the Genitive case without 'zu'. If you want to say 'intend,' you must use a 'zu' infinitive.

  • Using it in a casual setting.

    Ich gedenke, jetzt ein Bier zu trinken.
    Ich will jetzt ein Bier trinken.

    Using 'gedenken' for trivial personal desires sounds unnaturally stiff. Use 'wollen' or 'vorhaben' for everyday plans.

How It Connects

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

gedenken + zu + InfinitiveLevel 4To Intend to (Gedenken Zu)

Learn This First

To use 'gedenken zu', you need to understand how to form infinitive clauses with 'zu' and how to conjugate regular verbs. It is a formal alternative to modal verbs like 'wollen' or 'beabsichtigen'.

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