Infinitive clauses — zu + infinitive
An infinitive clause is a mini-sentence attached to the main verb by zu + infinitive. "I've decided to leave." "It's hard to explain." Once you know where zu goes and where it disappears, this is one of the easier constructions.
The shape
Usually a comma (or not), then (other stuff) + zu + infinitive (at the end).
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
zu sits BEFORE the infinitive — except when it's separable
Separable verbs wedge zu between the prefix and the stem.
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
Inseparable verbs just get plain zu in front: zu besuchen, zu verstehen.
When zu gets dropped
Zu goes AWAY after:
- Modal verbs. They take bare infinitives.
- werden (for Futur I).
- Verbs of perception — sehen, hören, fühlen, spüren.
- lassen — let, have someone do.
- gehen, kommen, fahren, bleiben when followed by an activity infinitive.
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
For everything else, use zu.
Common triggers for zu-infinitive
| Trigger | Example verb / phrase | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Intentions | versuchen, planen, vorhaben, beschließen | Ich versuche, zu helfen. |
| Allowing / forbidding | erlauben, verbieten, bitten | Er erlaubt mir, zu kommen. |
| Feelings / attitudes | Lust haben, Angst haben, sich freuen | Ich habe Lust, tanzen zu gehen. |
| Adjective + es ist | wichtig, schön, schwer, möglich | Es ist wichtig, ehrlich zu sein. |
| Starting / stopping | anfangen, aufhören, beginnen | Ich höre auf, zu rauchen. |
Three fixed patterns worth knowing
um ... zu ... — "in order to."
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
Subject of the main clause must equal the subject of the infinitive. If it doesn't, use damit + full subordinate clause instead.
ohne ... zu ... — "without (doing)."
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
(an)statt ... zu ... — "instead of (doing)."
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
Comma rules — mostly optional
The comma before a zu-infinitive is optional unless the clause has extra content. In practice, comma before most zu-clauses is still the norm for readability. Um... zu..., ohne... zu..., and statt... zu... always take a comma.
Examples (tap to reveal translation)
Common mistakes, named
-
Adding zu after a modal. Ich will zu kommen. ❌ → Ich will kommen. ✓
-
Forgetting to wedge zu inside a separable verb. Ich versuche, zu anrufen. ❌ → Ich versuche, anzurufen. ✓
-
Using um zu when subjects differ. Er lernt Deutsch, um seine Mutter glücklich zu machen. ❌ (mother is subject of "become happy," he is subject of "learn") → damit seine Mutter glücklich ist. ✓
-
Putting the zu-infinitive in the middle. Ich versuche zu lernen Deutsch. ❌ → Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. ✓
Mini check
Quick Check
Which is correct?
Quick Check
Choose: 'Ich habe keine Zeit, ihn ___.'
Quick Check
Choose: 'Er lernt Deutsch, ___ in Berlin zu studieren.'
Where this leads
Double conjunctions — paired connectors like sowohl... als auch, weder... noch, entweder... oder. Short reading, small set to memorize.
Next up: Doppelkonjunktionen.
Test yourself
Quick Check
Ich versuche, Deutsch zu ___.
Quick Check
'um ... zu' is used to express ___.
Quick Check
Translate: 'I learn German in order to work in Germany.'
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