Verbs with zu-infinitive (anfangen, versuchen, vergessen)
Verben mit zu-Infinitiv (anfangen, versuchen, vergessen)
Some verbs are followed by a 'zu' + construction at the end of the clause.
Structure
Hauptverb + …, zu + Infinitiv (Satzende)
main verb + …, zu + infinitive (end of the clause)
Details
- Part of Speech
- Verb
- Word Type
- zu-infinitive
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. Some German verbs are followed by a second in the form zu + infinitive, which goes to the end of the clause. Common ones are anfangen (to begin), versuchen (to try), vergessen (to forget), hoffen (to hope), vorhaben (to plan).
How it is formed. The main is conjugated; the second verb appears as zu + at the end. With a separable , zu goes between the prefix and the stem and the word is written together:
- aufstehen → aufzustehen
- einkaufen → einzukaufen
Examples.
- Ich versuche, mehr Deutsch zu lernen. - I'm trying to learn more German.
- Sie fängt an zu kochen. - She starts to cook.
- Ich versuche, früher aufzustehen. - I'm trying to get up earlier.
Common mistakes. Modal verbs (können, müssen …) take a bare without zu: Ich kann lernen, not Ich kann zu lernen. With , do not split zu off: it is aufzustehen, not zu aufstehen.
About Verbs with zu-infinitive (anfangen, versuchen, vergessen)
Some verbs are followed by a 'zu' + construction at the end of the clause.
After verbs such as anfangen, versuchen, vergessen, hoffen, the second appears as 'zu' + at the end. Modal verbs do NOT take 'zu'.
Manche verlangen einen mit 'zu' am Satzende.
Caution
With separable verbs, 'zu' goes between prefix and stem: 'anzufangen', 'einzukaufen'.