Attributive Use of Infinitives

In English, we say "time to sleep" or "plan to travel." German does something very similar, but with a tiny twist. We use the word zu right before the verb. The verb always stays in its original, dictionary form. We call this the infinitive form. The most important part is the connection. The noun (like Zeit or Lust) acts as the anchor. The infinitive clause (the part with zu) describes that noun. It tells us what kind of time or what kind of desire you have. It is like adding an adjective, but you are using an action instead. Yes, even native speakers forget the comma sometimes, but you won't! Think of the comma as a small bridge. It connects your main thought to the extra details. Without the bridge, the sentence might feel a bit crowded.

1. 1Building these sentences follows a very strict recipe. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with your main clause. This usually has a noun like Zeit (time) or Lust (desire).
3. 3Place a comma immediately after the main clause. This is non-negotiable in German!
4. 4Add any extra information, like "today" or "with me."
5. 5Place the word zu at the very end of the sentence.
6. 6Put the infinitive verb immediately after zu.
7. 7If you have a separable verb like einkaufen, the zu squeezes into the middle: einzukaufen. It is like a grammar sandwich! For example: Ich habe keine Lust, heute einzukaufen. (I have no desire to shop today.)

You will use this pattern whenever a noun needs an action to complete its meaning. Here are some common real-world scenarios:

• Making Plans: Ich habe den Plan, nach Berlin zu reisen. (I have the plan to travel to Berlin.)
• Expressing Feelings: Ich habe Angst, den Bus zu verpassen. (I have fear/am afraid to miss the bus.)
• Offering Help: Es ist eine Freude, Ihnen zu helfen. (It is a pleasure to help you.)
• Daily Routine: Ich habe heute keine Zeit, Sport zu machen. (I have no time to do sports today.)

Think of it as the "What kind of...?" rule. What kind of time? Time to work. What kind of mood? Mood to party. If you are asking directions or ordering food, this might pop up too. "I have the wish to order now" is a bit formal, but it works!

Don't use this for everything! There are moments where zu is a total party crasher.

• Modal Verbs: Never use zu with können, müssen, sollen, wollen, dürfen, or mögen. You just say Ich kann schwimmen, not Ich kann zu schwimmen.
• Simple Actions: If there is no noun or specific trigger, you don't need it. Ich esse Brot is fine on its own.
• Movement with 'zu': Don't confuse this with the preposition zu used for directions, like Ich gehe zu Oma. That is a different animal entirely.
• Future Tense: When using werden to talk about the future, leave the zu at home.

The most common mistake is forgetting the comma. In English, we don't use one, so it feels weird at first. Just imagine the comma is a tiny speed bump that tells the reader "Hey, an action is coming!"

Another classic error is the word order. Learners often put the verb too early. In German, the verb in these clauses is like a shy guest at a party; it always stays at the very end.

Also, watch out for those separable verbs. Writing zu einkaufen instead of einzukaufen is a common slip-up. It's like putting your socks over your shoes. It works, but it looks a bit funny to everyone else. Finally, don't use it with möchte. Ich möchte essen is perfect. Adding zu there is a grammar traffic jam.

You might wonder how this differs from um...zu. While they look similar, they have different jobs.

• Attributive Infinitive: Describes a noun. (I have the *time* to eat.)
• Um...zu: Describes a purpose or "in order to." (I go to the kitchen *to* eat.)

One describes a thing you have, the other describes why you are doing something. Also, contrast this with simple modal sentences. Ich muss arbeiten (I must work) is a command or necessity. Ich habe die Pflicht, zu arbeiten (I have the duty to work) is much more descriptive and formal. It focuses on the "duty" itself.