Ich habe vergessen, die Tür zu schließen.
English: I forgot to close the door.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Zeiten und Verbkonstruktionen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In German, 'Infinitiv mit zu' means using the infinitive form of a verb together with 'zu'. It is similar to saying 'to do' something in English.
When to use it
You use 'Infinitiv mit zu' in German after certain verbs, adjectives, and expressions. It is common when you want to say what someone wants, plans, tries, or needs to do.
Key forms
- zu + infinitive (at the end of the clause)
- Example: Ich habe vergessen, das Buch zu lesen.
Examples
Sie hofft, bald nach Hause zu kommen.
English: She hopes to come home soon.
Es ist wichtig, Deutsch zu lernen.
English: It is important to learn German.
Wir versuchen, pünktlich zu sein.
English: We try to be on time.
Tips
- The 'zu' + infinitive always goes to the end of the clause.
- Do not use 'zu' after modal verbs (like können, wollen, müssen, etc.).
- Remember to put a comma before the 'zu'-clause in longer sentences.
Exceptions and edge cases
- After modal verbs and some verbs like 'lassen', you do not use 'zu'.