Verbs

Infinitive

Infinitiv

Infinitive is the base, unconjugated form of a verb. Usually, in a sentence it is used together with another verb. Depending on the other verb we might have to add zu.

Examples of sentences with the infinitive

  • Translation
  • I am going swimming.
  • Translation
  • I intent/plan to change my job.
  • Translation
  • I have to prepare well to the football game next week.
  • Explanation
  • sich für [etwas +Akkusativ] vor|bereiten - to prepare for

Building sentences with infinitive

Infinitive without zu

In the following situations, we don't precede the infinitive with the word zu.

Modal verbs are: dürfen, können, mögen, müssen, sollen, wollen.

  • Translation
  • Smoking is not allowed here.
  • Translation
  • I cannot tell you that.
  • Translation
  • I like to help others.
  • Translation
  • You have to study today.
  • Translation
  • I want to go to a park.
  • Translation
  • He should apologize to her.
Verbs describing senses

The verbs describing senses are: hören, sehen, fühlen, spüren.

  • Translation
  • I can hear someone playing piano.
  • Translation
  • I see a running man.
  • Translation
  • She feels the cold wind blowing.
  • Translation
  • I can feel the swelling on my leg growing.
The verbs lassen, bleiben
  • Translation
  • I will not allow myself to be forced.
  • Translation
  • We're staying a bit longer in the sun. (literally: We're going to keep lying in the sun a bit longer.)
Verbs describing motion with a change of location
  • Translation
  • I am coming to help you.
  • Translation
  • He is going home to study.
  • Translation
  • Peter is going to the supermarket to shop.
  • Translation
  • Julia is flying to London to interview the candidate (for a job).
  • Explanation
  • Nevertheless, this sentence would sound better: Julia fliegt nach London, um einen Kandidaten zu interviewen. (Julia is flying to London to interview the candidate for a job).
The auxiliary verb werden.

We don't precede the infinitive with the word zu when either the auxiliary verb werden (Futur I, Futur II) or würden (Konjunktiv II) is used.

  • Translation
  • If I were you, I would talk to your girlfriend as soon as possible.
  • Translation
  • Your time will come.
Infinitive with zu

In the following situations, we precede the infinitive with the word zu.

The verbs describing a plan or an intent

These verbs include, among others: vor|haben, planen, versuchen.

  • Translation
  • I plan to travel to Asia this year.
  • Translation
  • We will try to make a positive impression.
Phrases with the haben + Nomen (to have + a noun) construction
  • Translation
  • I am afraid to run at night.
  • Translation
  • We have an opportunity to get to know the writer personally.
  • Translation
  • I don't feel like eating pasta again.
  • Translation
  • I don't have time today to help you with homework.
  • Translation
  • You have a chance to set a new record.
The verbs describing a beginning/end of an activity

These verbs include, among others: an|fangen, beginnen, auf|hören

  • Translation
  • I am beginning to learn German.
  • Translation
  • I stop complaining.
Impersonal expressions using the construction es ist + ... (there is/are ...)

These expressions are usually used to describe some general truth in an impersonal form e.g. it is recommended to ... / it is important to ... do sth

  • Translation
  • In case of a cold, it is recommended to drink a lot.
  • Translation
  • It is important to deliver the goods on time.
  • Translation
  • It is the duty to pay taxes.
Verbs describing opinions, thoughts, feelings, permission, decisions, considerations
  • Translation
  • I forgot to close the window in the bedroom.
  • Translation
  • Mom forbade me to talk to strangers.
  • Translation
  • I am considering adopting a dog.
  • Translation
  • She decided to move to Portugal.
  • Explanation
  • um|ziehen (to move out), separable verb hence zu has to be placed between the verb's prefix and its base.