Infinitive with 'zu' (to)
Infinitiv mit 'zu'
Many verbs, adjectives and nouns are followed by an with 'zu'.
Structure
Verb/Adjektiv/Nomen + ... zu + Infinitiv (am Satzende)
verb/adjective/noun + ... zu + infinitive (at the end of the clause)
Details
- Part of Speech
- Sentence Structure
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. Many verbs, adjectives and nouns are followed by an *infinitive with zu**. It works like the English "to do" after such words: Ich hoffe, dich bald zu sehen* - I hope to see you soon.
How it is formed. The zu + stands at the end of the clause, usually after a comma. With separable verbs, zu goes inside the word: anrufen → anzurufen, einkaufen → einzukaufen.
It appears after:
- verbs: versuchen, hoffen, vergessen, beginnen, aufhören
- adjectives: es ist wichtig/schön/schwer, ... zu ...
- nouns: die Idee, ... zu ..., die Möglichkeit, ... zu ...
Examples.
- Ich versuche, jeden Morgen früher aufzustehen. - I try to get up earlier every morning.
- Es ist wichtig, viel zu üben. - It is important to practise a lot.
- Ich habe keine Zeit, ins Kino zu gehen. - I have no time to go to the cinema.
Common mistakes. Modal verbs and gehen/sehen/hören/lassen take a bare infinitive (no zu): Ich kann schwimmen, not zu schwimmen. Don't forget to slot zu inside : anzurufen, not zu anrufen.
About Infinitive with 'zu' (to)
Many verbs, adjectives and nouns are followed by an with 'zu'.
Used after verbs (versuchen, hoffen, vergessen), adjectives (es ist wichtig) and nouns (die Idee). The 'zu' + stands at the end; insert 'zu'.
Viele , und verlangen einen mit 'zu'.
Caution
Modal verbs and verbs like 'gehen/sehen/hören' take a bare infinitive (no 'zu'). With separable verbs 'zu' goes inside: 'anzurufen', 'einzukaufen'.