Infinitive with zu in German

Overview

The infinitive with zu is a versatile B1-level construction that allows you to combine two ideas in a single sentence. It works similarly to English "to + verb" constructions: Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen (I'm trying to learn German). Once you master it, you can express intentions, opinions, and complex thoughts much more fluidly.

In German, zu + infinitive appears after certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Unlike English, where "to" simply precedes the verb, German places zu directly before the infinitive at the end of the clause — and with separable verbs, zu is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem. This small detail trips up many learners but becomes second nature with practice.

This construction is essential for moving beyond simple sentences. It lets you say things like "It is important to be on time" (Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein) or "I have no desire to work" (Ich habe keine Lust zu arbeiten), which are part of everyday German communication.

How It Works

Basic structure: verb/adjective/noun + zu + infinitive (at end of clause)

A comma is used before the infinitive clause when it contains additional words beyond zu + infinitive.

Trigger type	Example	Translation
Verb	Ich versuche, pünktlich zu kommen.	I try to arrive on time.
Adjective	Es ist wichtig, Deutsch zu lernen.	It is important to learn German.
Noun	Ich habe die Möglichkeit, im Ausland zu arbeiten.	I have the opportunity to work abroad.

Common verbs that take zu + infinitive:

Verb	Meaning	Example
versuchen	to try	Ich versuche, mehr zu lesen.
beginnen	to begin	Er beginnt zu verstehen.
aufhören	to stop	Sie hört auf zu rauchen.
vergessen	to forget	Vergiss nicht, die Tür abzuschließen.
vorhaben	to intend	Ich habe vor, morgen zu kommen.
hoffen	to hope	Wir hoffen, Sie bald zu sehen.

Separable verbs: zu is inserted between the prefix and the stem:

• anfangen → anzufangen
• aufräumen → aufzuräumen
• einkaufen → einzukaufen

Verbs that do NOT take zu: Modal verbs (können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, mögen), lassen, and perception verbs (sehen, hören, fühlen) use a bare infinitive without zu.

Examples in Context

German	English	Note
Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.	I'm trying to learn German.	After verb versuchen
Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.	It's important to be on time.	After adjective wichtig
Er hat keine Lust, zu arbeiten.	He doesn't feel like working.	After noun Lust
Vergiss nicht, die Fenster zuzumachen.	Don't forget to close the windows.	Separable verb zumachen
Wir haben beschlossen, umzuziehen.	We have decided to move.	Separable verb umziehen
Es ist schön, dich wiederzusehen.	It's nice to see you again.	Separable verb wiedersehen
Ich habe vor, morgen früh aufzustehen.	I plan to get up early tomorrow.	Separable verb aufstehen
Sie hat angefangen, Klavier zu spielen.	She has started to play piano.	After verb anfangen
Es ist unmöglich, das allein zu schaffen.	It is impossible to manage that alone.	After adjective unmöglich
Ich empfehle dir, mehr Wasser zu trinken.	I recommend you drink more water.	After verb empfehlen

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to split separable verbs

• Wrong: Ich versuche, zu aufräumen.
• Right: Ich versuche, aufzuräumen.
• Why: With separable verbs, zu goes between the prefix and the stem, written as one word.

Using zu with modal verbs

• Wrong: Ich kann zu schwimmen.
• Right: Ich kann schwimmen.
• Why: Modal verbs take a bare infinitive without zu. This is one of the most common errors for English speakers.

Placing zu in the wrong position

• Wrong: Ich versuche zu Deutsch lernen.
• Right: Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.
• Why: Zu always comes directly before the infinitive, which sits at the end of its clause.

Usage Notes

The zu + infinitive construction is equally common in spoken and written German, though written German tends to use it in longer, more complex sentences. In spoken language, you will frequently hear shortened versions: Keine Lust zu arbeiten! (Don't feel like working!) without the full framing sentence.

The comma before a zu-infinitive clause is technically required when the clause is extended (contains more than just zu + infinitive). In practice, many Germans are inconsistent with this comma rule, but it helps with clarity in longer sentences. When the infinitive clause is very short, the comma is optional: Er beginnt(,) zu lachen.

Some fixed expressions use zu + infinitive: um ehrlich zu sein (to be honest), ohne zu zögern (without hesitating), statt zu klagen (instead of complaining). These use um...zu, ohne...zu, and (an)statt...zu and are closely related constructions.

Practice Tips

1. Make a list of ten things you are trying to do, plan to do, or have forgotten to do this week, using versuchen, vorhaben, and vergessen with zu + infinitive.
2. Practice with separable verbs specifically. Write out five sentences with verbs like aufstehen, einkaufen, aufräumen, and mitnehmen in zu-infinitive clauses until the prefix-zu-stem pattern feels natural.
3. Read German recipes or instruction manuals — they frequently use zu + infinitive constructions, giving you exposure to the pattern in a practical context.

Related Concepts

• Regular Verbs (Present) — foundational verb conjugation knowledge
• Purpose Clauses: um...zu, damit — extending zu-infinitives to express purpose