German Grammar Guide: How to Use the Infinitive

Learning German can be tricky, but understanding the Infinitive is a great way to boost your fluency. In German, the infinitive is the basic form of the verb (like kaufen, gehen, or lachen).

There are two main ways to use it: the Pure Infinitive (just the verb) and the Infinitive with “zu”.

1. The Pure Infinitive (Der reine Infinitiv)

In these cases, you do not use “zu”. You use the pure infinitive:

After Modal Verbs

When you use verbs like können (can) or dürfen (may), the second verb stays in its basic form at the end of the sentence.

• Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim).
• Wir dürfen spielen. (We may play).

After Verbs of Perception

If you see or hear something happening, use the pure infinitive.

• Ich höre sie singen. (I hear her singing).
• Ich sehe sie tanzen. (I see her dancing).

Movement and Specific Verbs

Verbs like gehen (to go), lassen (to let), and bleiben (to stay) usually take the pure infinitive.

• Gehst du schwimmen? (Are you going swimming?).
• Wir lassen unsere Wohnung putzen. (We are having our flat cleaned).

2. The Infinitive with “zu” (Der Infinitiv mit zu)

This is the most common form. You use “zu” before the infinitive in many different situations.

Intentions and Opinions

Use “zu” when expressing a plan or a hope.

• Ich habe die Absicht, morgen nach München zu fahren. (I intend to travel to Munich tomorrow).
• Ich hoffe, dort Erholung zu finden. (I hope to find relaxation there).

Starting or Stopping (Phases)

When you describe the beginning or end of an action.

• Ich fange an, müde zu werden. (I am starting to get tired).
• Er hört nicht auf zu reden. (He doesn’t stop talking).

Replacing “dass” (that)

If the subject of both parts of the sentence is the same, you can often replace a “dass” sentence with a “zu” construction.

• Ich freue mich, Sie wiederzusehen. (I am happy to see you again).

Special Conjunctions

There are three important words that always require “zu”:

• um … zu (in order to): Die meisten Leute arbeiten, um zu leben..
• ohne … zu (without): Manche Leute leben, ohne zu arbeiten..
• anstatt … zu (instead of): Einige Leute arbeiten, anstatt zu leben..

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