CONTENT
"Zu" is a preposition in German that is used to indicate direction or movement towards a place, person, or object.
It can also indicate purpose or intent and can be translated as "to" in English.
German
English
Ich gehe zu dem Park
I am going to the park.
Ich gebe das Buch zu meiner Freundin
I am giving the book to my friend.
Infinitive clauses with: um...zu, ohne…zu, anstatt…zu
In addition to simple infinitives, there are three other ways to make an infinitive construction with zu in a subordinate clause. In each of them, the subject of the subordinate clause must be the same as in the main clause.
Furthermore, zu and the infinitive verb are placed at the end of the sentence.
- um...zu indicates a purpose, intention, or goal.
German
English
Sie lernt viel, um gute Noten zu bekommen.
She studies a lot in order to get good grades.
Infinitive clauses with "zu"
Infinitive clauses are subordinate clauses without a subject. The verb in the infinitive clause is placed at the end of the sentence with the preposition "zu."
We can only use infinitive clauses when the subject in the subordinate clause isn't important or is obvious from the context.
Infinitive clauses are usually introduced after:
- Sein + adjective
German
English
Es ist einfach, die Deutsche Sprache zu lernen.
It's easy to learn the German language.
- Haben + nouns
German
English
Ich habe Angst, es nicht zu schaffen.
I'm afraid of not making it.
- Certain verbs like: hoffen, planen, bitten, versprechen, vorhaben
German
English
Er hat vor, morgen Sport zu treiben.
He intends to exercise tomorrow.
Brauchen as a Modal Verb with "zu" + Infinitive
The verb brauchen can be used like a modal verb when it's in the negative form. Then, it has the same meaning as nicht müssen (not need to), but we have to add the preposition with the infinitive.
German
English
Du brauchst keine neuen Schuhe zu kaufen.
You don't need to buy new shoes.
Ich brauche heute nicht zu arbeiten.
I don't need to work today.
Quiz
1/3
Choose the correct form:
0
correct answers.