German Infinitive Clauses

German infinitive clauses (Infinitivsätze) are elegant and efficient structures that allow you to combine ideas without starting a new main clause. They are the equivalent of English phrases like "in order to," "without...ing," or "by...ing."

What is an Infinitive Clause?

An infinitive clause is a dependent clause that uses the word "zu" (to) with the infinitive of a verb. The entire clause is tucked into the sentence, often providing information about purpose, intention, or manner.

Key Characteristics:

• They are not complete sentences on their own.

• They always include "zu" + the infinitive of the main verb.

• They are separated from the main clause by a comma.

• The subject of the infinitive clause is always the same as the subject of the main clause.

The Basic Rule: When to Use "zu"

The standard structure is simple:

zu + [Infinitive]

Example:

• Main Clause: Er geht nach Deutschland. (He is going to Germany.)

• Purpose: Er möchte Deutsch lernen. (He wants to learn German.)

• Combined: Er geht nach Deutschland, um Deutsch zu lernen.
  (He is going to Germany in order to learn German.)

Notice the comma and the position of "zu" before the infinitive "lernen".

Formation with Different Verb Types

This is where it gets a little tricky, as the placement of "zu" changes based on the type of verb.

1. With Simple Verbs (No Prefix)

"zu" comes directly before the verb.

• lernen -> zu lernen (to learn)

  • Er hat vergessen, zu lernen. (He forgot to study.)

2. With Separable Prefix Verbs

"zu" is placed between the prefix and the main verb. The whole construction is written as one word.

• an*fangen (to begin) -> anzufangen

  • Er hat vor, anzufangen. (He intends to begin.)

• auf*stehen (to get up) -> aufzustehen

  • Sie findet es schwer, aufzustehen. (She finds it hard to get up.)

3. With Inseparable Prefix Verbs

"zu" comes before the entire verb.

• besuchen (to visit) -> zu besuchen

  • Er hofft, seine Oma zu besuchen. (He hopes to visit his grandma.)

• verstehen (to understand) -> zu verstehen

  • Es ist wichtig, die Regeln zu verstehen. (It is important to understand the rules.)

Key Umbrella Words that Introduce Infinitive Clauses

Certain words and phrases naturally trigger the use of an infinitive clause. Here are the most important categories:

1. "um ... zu" (in order to)

This is the most common structure, expressing purpose or intention.

• Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.
  (I am learning German in order to work in Berlin.)

• Sie spart Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.
  (She is saving money in order to buy a car.)

2. "ohne ... zu" (without ...ing)

Expresses that something happened without a second action occurring.

• Er ging aus dem Haus, ohne die Tür zu schließen.
  (He left the house without closing the door.)

• Sie aß den Kuchen, ohne zu bezahlen.
  (She ate the cake without paying.)

3. "(an)statt ... zu" (instead of ...ing)

Expresses that one action is replaced by another.

• Anstatt zu schlafen, sah er einen Film.
  (Instead of sleeping, he watched a film.)

• Statt zu arbeiten, geht er spazieren.
  (Instead of working, he goes for a walk.)

Verbs that Directly Require an Infinitive Clause

Many verbs can be followed directly by an infinitive clause without "um," "ohne," etc. These often relate to beginning, ending, planning, or avoiding.

• anfangen (to begin): Er fängt an, Deutsch zu lernen.

• aufhören (to stop): Hör auf, zu reden! (Stop talking!)

• versuchen (to try): Ich versuche, das Problem zu lösen.

• vergessen (to forget): Sie hat vergessen, die Blumen zu gießen.

• hoffen (to hope): Wir hoffen, dich bald zu sehen.

• planen (to plan): Sie plant, nächstes Jahr zu reisen.

Impersonal Constructions with "es"

These are very common and often use "es" as a placeholder subject.

• Es ist schwierig, ... zu (It is difficult to...)

  • Es ist schwierig, diese Frage zu beantworten.

• Es ist wichtig, ... zu (It is important to...)

  • Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.

• Es macht Spaß, ... zu (It is fun to...)

  • Es macht Spaß, mit dir zu spielen.

In these cases, "es" can be dropped, and the infinitive clause can move to the front:

• Diese Frage zu beantworten, ist schwierig.

The "Double Infinitive" Pitfall with Modal Verbs

This is a common point of confusion. When a modal verb is used in a perfect tense, it forms a double infinitive at the end. In this specific construction, the infinitive clause loses the "zu".

• Incorrect: Er hat nicht gekonnt, zu kommen.

• Correct: Er hat nicht kommen können.
  (He wasn't able to come.)

The double infinitive rule (kommen können) overrides the infinitive clause rule (zu kommen).

Quick Summary & Cheat Sheet

Placement of "zu":

• Simple Verb: zu lernen

• Separable Verb: anzufangen

• Inseparable Verb: zu besuchen