Infinitive with zu

This structure links two parts of a sentence. We have a main clause. Then we have the infinitive clause. The main clause sets the scene. It has a conjugated verb. The infinitive clause adds more detail. It tells us what the action is. The magic happens at the end. The word zu sits right before the infinitive. The infinitive stays in its basic form. It does not change for the subject. This is because the subject is usually the same. You don't need to say ich twice. You say it once in the main part. The rest of the sentence follows. It is efficient and elegant. It is like a well-oiled machine. It saves you time and breath. You will find it in newspapers. You will hear it in the office. It is everywhere. Think of it as a secret shortcut for your brain.

1. 1Start with your main clause. This part has your subject and verb.
2. 2Place a comma after the main clause. This is non-negotiable in German.
3. 3Put any extra information after the comma. This could be objects or adverbs.
4. 4Place the word zu at the very end.
5. 5Follow zu immediately with the infinitive verb.
6. 6Wait! There is a special rule for separable verbs. Do you remember verbs like einkaufen? They split in normal sentences. But with zu, they stay together. The zu jumps inside. It sits between the prefix and the verb. You get einzukaufen. It looks a bit like a sandwich. The prefix is the top bun. The verb is the bottom bun. zu is the delicious filling. For reflexive verbs, the pronoun stays. It usually comes right after the comma. Example: Ich freue mich, mich zu entspannen. It feels repetitive, but it is correct. Just embrace the double pronoun moments. It's not a glitch in the matrix.

You use this after certain 'trigger' words. These are usually verbs, nouns, or adjectives. Many verbs of intent use it. Think of versuchen (to try) or planen (to plan). You might say, Ich versuche, pünktlich zu sein. Adjectives are another big group. Is something schön or wichtig? Use zu. Es ist wichtig, viel Wasser zu trinken. Your health depends on it! Nouns also love this structure. Do you have Lust (desire) or Zeit (time)? Ich habe keine Lust, Hausaufgaben zu machen. We have all been there. It is a natural way to express feelings. It works perfectly for career goals too. Ich beabsichtige, die Beförderung zu bekommen. Use it to sound professional in job interviews. It shows you know your grammar. It shows you care about details. Even the boring ones.

Not every verb likes zu. Some verbs are picky. Modal verbs are the main ones. Verbs like können, müssen, and sollen hate zu. You never say Ich kann zu schwimmen. That sounds like a grammar car crash. Just say Ich kann schwimmen. Verbs of perception also stay away. These are sehen (to see) and hören (to hear). Ich sehe dich kommen. No zu needed here. Verbs of movement are similar. Ich gehe spazieren. Adding zu would make it clunky. It would be like wearing socks with sandals. Some people do it, but it’s just not right. Stay clean and skip the zu in these cases. Also, avoid it if the subjects are different. If you want someone else to do something, use dass. Ich möchte, dass du gehst. Here, 'I' want but 'you' go. Different people need different structures. Mixing them up is like trying to use a fork to eat soup.

The most common mistake is the comma. People often forget it. In German, that comma is a legal requirement. Okay, maybe not legal, but very important for clarity. Another trap is the position of zu. It must be at the end. Don't let it drift to the middle. It is not like the English 'to'. English puts it before the verb anywhere. German is stricter. It wants that verb at the finish line. Then there are the separable verbs. Don't say zu einkaufen. It must be einzukaufen. It’s one word. One single, happy word. Finally, don't overthink it. If you use it with a modal verb, people will understand. They might just smile politely. But you want to be better than that. You want to be a grammar ninja. Even if ninjas don't usually care about commas.

How is this different from a dass clause? Both connect ideas. But dass is for different subjects. Ich hoffe, dass das Wetter schön wird. I hope, but the weather is the subject. If the subject is the same, zu is better. Ich hoffe, morgen zu kommen. It is shorter. It is punchier. It sounds more advanced. You should also look at um...zu. This means 'in order to'. It shows a specific goal. Ich lerne, um zu bestehen. Use regular zu for general statements. Use um...zu for targets. It’s like using a scalpel instead of a knife. Both cut, but one is more precise. Knowing which to use is a true B2 skill. You are already halfway there. Don't let the small things trip you up.