Infinitives
Infinitives are the basic, unconjugated forms of verbs and they are essential for learning how to express actions, plans, and intentions. This guide goes over the main types of infinitives, how to recognize them, and useful related vocabulary.
Key Infinitives
Key infinitives are common verbs you will use repeatedly when talking about actions, intentions, and daily activities. Learning a handful of these makes it easier to form sentences and ask questions.
| German Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| machen | to make, to do |
| gehen | to go |
| kommen | to come |
| sehen | to see |
| essen | to eat |
| trinken | to drink |
| sprechen | to speak |
| lernen | to learn |
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌏 Ich möchte die Welt sehen. | I want to see the world. |
| 📚 Sie plant, in Paris zu studieren. | She plans to study in Paris. |
| 🧳 Wir hoffen, bald reisen zu können. | We hope to be able to travel soon. |
| 🎒 Er beginnt, seinen Rucksack zu packen. | He is starting to pack his backpack. |
| 🗺️ Ihr habt vergessen, den Reiseführer mitzunehmen. | You forgot to bring the travel guide. |
Formation
German infinitives typically end in -en or sometimes -n, and they appear in dictionaries in this basic form. Recognizing the infinitive form helps you find verbs quickly and use them correctly with auxiliary verbs.
Usage
The infinitive is used after modal verbs, after certain expressions, and in constructions with zu when an action is intended or planned. Infinitives can function as nouns when capitalized, and they appear in headlines and instructions for brevity.
Examples
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌅 Wir beschlossen, früh aufzustehen. | We decided to get up early. |
| 🍳 Sie begann, Frühstück zu machen. | She began to make breakfast. |
| 🧭 Er übte, mit dem Kompass zu navigieren. | He practiced using the compass. |
| 🔥 Sie lernten, ein Lagerfeuer zu entfachen. | They learned to start a campfire. |
| 🛶 Ich möchte auf dem See rudern. | I want to row on the lake. |
Infinitive with zu
Some verbs require zu before the infinitive, turning the phrase into a clear subordinate action. This pattern appears after certain verbs, adjectives, and noun phrases, and helps signal purpose or necessity.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are followed directly by the infinitive without zu, and they change how an action is allowed, needed, or planned. Common modals like können, müssen, and wollen shape sentences around ability, obligation, and intention.
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🧳 Ich kann heute meinen Koffer packen. | I can pack my suitcase today. |
| 🕒 Wir müssen früh losfahren. | We have to leave early. |
| 🗣️ Sie will die Sprache des Landes lernen. | She wants to learn the language of the country. |
| 🚫 Er darf hier nicht zelten. | He is not allowed to camp here. |
| 📝 Ihr sollt die Reiseroute notieren. | You should write down the travel itinerary. |
Turning Infinitives into Nouns
Infinitives can be capitalized to function as nouns, allowing them to act as subjects or objects in a sentence. This nominalization is common in abstract contexts and when talking about general activities.
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🧳 Das Packen des Koffers dauert lange. | Packing the suitcase takes a long time. |
| 🗺️ Das Planen der Route macht Spaß. | Planning the route is fun. |
| 🔥 Das Entfachen des Feuers gelang schnell. | Starting the fire succeeded quickly. |
| 🧭 Das Navigieren mit dem Kompass ist wichtig. | Navigating with the compass is important. |
| 🛏️ Das Finden eines Zeltplatzes war schwierig. | Finding a campsite was difficult.. |
Summary
Infinitives are the dictionary forms of verbs, usually ending in -en, and they serve as building blocks for sentences involving actions, plans, and intentions. Learn key infinitives, notice when to use zu, and practice modal verbs to control sentence meaning.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025