Grammar: Infinitive Constructions (um…zu, verbs with zu) — WJEC GCSE German

Infinitive constructions with 'zu' are a key feature of German grammar, allowing you to express purpose, necessity, or intention in a compact way. The most common pattern is 'um…zu' (in order to), which links two clauses to show why an action is done. For example, 'Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten' (I learn German in order to work in Berlin). Mastering this structure is essential for achieving higher grades in WJEC GCSE German, as it demonstrates control over complex sentence forms.

Beyond 'um…zu', many verbs and adjectives require 'zu' before an infinitive, such as 'versuchen' (to try), 'hoffen' (to hope), or 'es ist wichtig' (it is important). These constructions often replace subordinate clauses with 'dass', making your German sound more natural and sophisticated. For WJEC, you need to recognise when 'zu' is needed and when it is not (e.g., after modal verbs or 'werden'). This topic builds on your knowledge of verb conjugation and sentence structure, and it frequently appears in writing and speaking tasks.

Understanding infinitive constructions also helps with reading comprehension, as they are common in authentic texts. By learning to use 'um…zu' and other 'zu' + infinitive patterns, you can express cause, purpose, and opinion more fluently. This skill is assessed across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) in the WJEC exam, so mastering it will boost your overall performance.

• →'um…zu' + infinitive: Used to express purpose (in order to). The subject of both clauses must be the same. Example: 'Er spart Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.'
• →Verbs that require 'zu' + infinitive: e.g., 'versuchen' (to try), 'hoffen' (to hope), 'planen' (to plan), 'vergessen' (to forget). Example: 'Ich versuche, pünktlich zu kommen.'
• →Adjectives with 'zu' + infinitive: e.g., 'es ist wichtig/schwer/leicht/möglich' + 'zu' + infinitive. Example: 'Es ist wichtig, regelmäßig zu üben.'
• →No 'zu' after modal verbs (können, müssen, dürfen, sollen, wollen, mögen) and the verb 'werden' (future tense). Example: 'Ich kann gut schwimmen.' (not 'zu schwimmen')
• →Separable verbs: 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the stem, e.g., 'einzukaufen' (from 'einkaufen'). Example: 'Ich habe vergessen, einzukaufen.'

• Correct placement of 'um' at the start of the clause
• Correct placement of 'zu' immediately before the infinitive verb
• Correct positioning of the infinitive verb at the very end of the clause
• Accurate identification of verbs that require 'zu' constructions (e.g., hoffen, beginnen, versuchen)
• Correct use of the comma to separate the main clause from the infinitive clause

• 💡Use 'um...zu' to add complexity to your writing and justify your opinions
• 💡Memorize the specific verbs that trigger 'zu' constructions, such as 'hoffen', 'beginnen', and 'versuchen'
• 💡Check your word order carefully in the writing exam to ensure the infinitive verb is at the end
• 💡Practice transforming simple sentences into infinitive constructions to improve your grade
• 💡In writing tasks, use 'um…zu' to add detail and purpose to your sentences. For example, instead of 'Ich mache einen Ferienjob' (I do a holiday job), say 'Ich mache einen Ferienjob, um Geld zu verdienen' (I do a holiday job in order to earn money). This shows higher-level grammar.
• 💡Practise using 'zu' with common verbs like 'versuchen', 'hoffen', and 'planen' in speaking exams. For instance, 'Ich hoffe, nächstes Jahr nach Deutschland zu reisen' sounds more natural than using 'dass'.
• 💡Watch out for separable verbs: when adding 'zu', it goes between the prefix and the stem. For example, 'einkaufen' becomes 'einzukaufen'. This is a common error that examiners notice.

• Forgetting to place the infinitive verb at the end of the clause
• Incorrectly placing 'zu' before the conjugated verb instead of the infinitive
• Confusing 'um...zu' (in order to) with 'zu' + infinitive (after specific verbs)
• Omitting the comma before the infinitive clause
• Using 'zu' after modal verbs: Students often write 'Ich kann zu schwimmen' instead of 'Ich kann schwimmen'. Remember: modal verbs never take 'zu'.
• Forgetting to change word order: In 'um…zu' clauses, the verb goes to the end. Also, after verbs like 'versuchen', the infinitive with 'zu' goes to the end of the clause.
• Confusing 'um…zu' with 'damit': 'damit' is used when the subjects are different (e.g., 'Ich lerne Deutsch, damit meine Eltern stolz sind'). 'um…zu' requires the same subject.