> Infinitiv mit/ohne zu is a German grammar topic that explains when to use the infinitive form of a verb with or without the particle "zu".
In German, the infinitive form of a verb can appear either with zu (e.g., zu lesen) or without zu (e.g., lesen). Understanding when to use Infinitiv mit zu (infinitive with zu) and Infinitiv ohne zu (infinitive without zu) is essential for building correct and natural-sounding sentences. Here is a summary:
- Use Infinitiv ohne zu after modal verbs, lassen, helfen, and certain other verbs.
- Use Infinitiv mit zu in many other cases, including after certain expressions, verbs that require a complement, and in subordinate clauses.
- Don’t use zu after separable-prefix verbs; insert zu between the prefix and the verb stem.
Infinitiv ohne zu
The infinitive appears without zu in these common situations:
- After modal verbs: können, müssen, dürfen, wollen, sollen, mögen
- After the verbs lassen (let), helfen (help), sehen (see), hören (hear)
- After werden in the future or passive construction
- After werden ... Infinitiv (e.g., Das wird gemacht werden.)
Examples
| Situation | Example (German) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Modal verb | Ich kann lesen. | I can read. |
| lassen | Lass mich gehen. | Let me go. |
| helfen | Er hilft mir tragen. | He helps me carry. |
| hören/sehen | Ich sehe ihn kommen. | I see him coming. |
| werden (future) | Ich werde kommen. | I will come. |
Infinitiv mit zu
The infinitive appears with zu in these common situations:
- After many verbs that express intention, agreement, effort, hope, promise, refuse, etc.
- After certain adjectives: bereit, bereit, glücklich, wahrscheinlich, leicht, etc.
- After nouns that form expressions with an infinitive phrase
- In um ... zu clauses (to express purpose)
- In subordinate clauses with infinitive constructions (especially in written/formal German)
Examples
| Situation | Example (German) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + zu | Ich versuche zu lesen. | I try to read. |
| Adjective + zu | Sie ist bereit zu gehen. | She is ready to go. |
| Noun + zu | Ich habe die Absicht, zu reisen. | I have the intention to travel. |
| um ... zu | Ich lerne, um zu verstehen. | I study to understand. |
| Subordinate clause | Er behauptet, nicht zu kommen. | He claims not to come. |
Special Rules
1. Separable-prefix verbs with zu
When zu is added to a separable-prefix verb (e.g., aufstehen, mitkommen, zurückgeben), zu goes between the prefix and the stem:
- aufstehen → auf zu stehen
- mitkommen → mit zu kommen
- zurückgeben → zurück zu geben
Examples
| Infinitive | Infinitiv mit zu | English |
|---|---|---|
| aufstehen | Ich versuche, aufzustehen. | I try to get up. |
| mitkommen | Kommst du mitzukommen? | Will you come along? |
| zurückgeben | Ich habe vergessen, das Buch zurückzugeben. | I forgot to return the book. |
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using zu after modal verbs
❌Ich muss zu gehen.
✅Ich muss gehen.
Modal verbs never take zu.
Mistake 2: Omitting zu when it’s required
❌Ich versuche lesen.
✅Ich versuche zu lesen.
Non-modal verbs that require an infinitive complement often need zu.
Mistake 3: Incorrect placement of zu in separable-prefix verbs
❌Ich versuche, zu aufstehen.
✅Ich versuche, aufzustehen.
Zu always goes between the prefix and the stem.
Summary: When to Use Was
| Situation | Use "Infinitiv ohne zu" | Use "Infinitiv mit zu" |
|---|---|---|
| After modal verbs | ✓ | ✗ |
| After lassen, helfen, sehen, hören | ✓ | ✗ |
| After werden (future/passive) | ✓ | ✗ |
| After many other verbs (e.g., versuchen, anfangen, hoffen) | ✗ | ✓ |
| After adjectives | ✗ | ✓ |
| After certain nouns | ✗ | ✓ |
| In um ... zu clauses | ✗ | ✓ |
| Subordinate clauses with infinitives | ✗ | ✓ |
| Separable-prefix verbs | ✗ | ✓ (with zu between prefix and stem) |
Conclusion
Understanding when to use Infinitiv mit zu and Infinitiv ohne zu is crucial for mastering German verb constructions.
Infinitiv ohne zu appears mostly after modals and a few special verbs.
Infinitiv mit zu spans a wide range of other contexts, including expressing purpose, intention, and complement clauses.
Don’t forget the special rule for separable-prefix verbs, and avoid common mistakes with zu placement.
Last updated: Sat May 31, 2025
