German infinitives are the base forms of verbs, usually ending in -en or sometimes -n (e.g., machen, leben). They are essential for expressing ideas beyond simple conjugated forms and appear in multiple grammatical contexts:
- Base form of verbs: All German verbs are listed in dictionaries as their infinitive form (e.g., sprechen = to speak).
- Verb chains: Infinitives are used at the end of sentences with auxiliary or modal verbs (e.g., Ich will essen. = I want to eat.).
- Purpose: Introduced by zu, infinitives express purpose (e.g., Ich fange an zu lernen. = I’m starting to study.).
- Nominalization: Infinitives can function as nouns, capitalized and treated as neuter (e.g., Das Essen ist fertig. = Eating is ready.).
Infinitives are used in verb chains, to express purpose, and as nominalized forms, among other uses.
Most German infinitives end in -en.
Correct infinitives are machen, sein, gehen.
Yes, German infinitives can be nominalized and used as nouns.
Infinitive Structure
The infinitive is the verb’s pure form, detached from subject or tense. Most verbs use the -en ending, with a few exceptions:
| Infinitive | Meaning |
|---|---|
| machen | to do/make |
| spielen | to play |
| arbeiten | to work |
| kaufen | to buy |
Note: Some verbs drop the -en and just use -n (e.g., denken), but this is rare.
Most infinitives end in -en.
Correct infinitives include machen, laufen, sein.
Infinitives with Modal Verbs
When a modal verb (können, wollen, müssen, sollen, dürfen, mögen) is used, the main verb appears as an infinitive at the clause’s end:
- Modal + Infinitive:
Ich will reisen. (I want to travel.)
Er muss arbeiten. (He must work.)
Structure: [Subject] + [Modal Verb (conjugated)] + [Infinitive (verb’s base form)]
The main verb is used as an infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Common modal verbs like können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, and mögen use the infinitive form for the main verb.
The main verb becomes an infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Infinitives with Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs (werden, haben, sein) can also require infinitives in specific constructions:
- Future tense:
Ich werde reisen. (I will travel.)
- Passive voice (future):
Die Arbeit wird gemacht werden.
(The work will be done.)
Structure:
- Future: [Subject] + [werden (conjugated)] + [Infinitive]
- After modal (auxiliary): [Auxiliary modal] + [Infinitive (main verb)]
werden is the auxiliary verb for future tense that uses the infinitive.
Auxiliaries use infinitives in future tense and after modals.
Infinitive with 'zu'
When ‘zu’ + infinitive is used, it functions similarly to "to" in English, often expressing purpose, intent, or necessity:
- Expressing Purpose:
Ich habe Lust, zu tanzen.
(I feel like dancing.)
- After certain verbs:
Er versucht, zu arbeiten.
(He tries to work.)
- In clauses:
Es ist wichtig, zu lernen.
(It is important to learn.)
Note: The infinitive drops the usual -en ending after zu, becoming -n (zu machen, not zu machenen).
'zu + infinitive' is used to express purpose, after some verbs, and in certain clauses.
'zu + infinitive' expresses notions like purpose, intent, or necessity.
Summary
German infinitives are versatile verb forms used for:
- Verb chains with modals or auxiliaries (main verb as infinitive)
- Expressing purpose with zu + infinitive
- Nominalizing verbs as nouns (capitalized)
- Core dictionary verb forms (usually ending in -en)
Understanding when and how to use infinitives is key to mastering German grammar beyond simple sentences.
Most German infinitives end with -en.
German infinitives appear after modals, in verb chains, with 'zu' for purpose, and as nouns.
Modal verbs include können, wollen, müssen, sollen, dürfen, and mögen.