In German grammar, there are different ways to express purpose or reason using the infinitive form of verbs. The three most common constructions are “um zu + infinitive,” “ohne zu + infinitive,” and “(an)statt zu + infinitive.” These constructions are particularly useful for intermediate German learners at B1 level, as they provide a more sophisticated way to express ideas beyond simple sentence structures. In this article, we will explore each of these constructions and provide plenty of examples to help illustrate their use.
“Um zu + Infinitiv”
The construction “um zu + infinitive” is used to express the purpose or reason for doing something. The verb in the infinitive form comes after “um zu.” For example:
“Ich gehe ins Kino, um einen Film zu sehen.” (I go to the cinema to watch a movie.)
“Ohne zu + Infinitiv”
The construction “ohne zu + infinitive” is used to express that something is done without doing another action. The verb in the infinitive form comes after “ohne zu.” For example:
“Ich bin ins Kino gegangen, ohne meine Freunde zu informieren.” (I went to the cinema without telling my friends.)
“(An)statt zu + Infinitiv”
The construction “(an)statt zu + infinitive” is used to express that one thing is done instead of another. The verb in the infinitive form comes after “(an)statt zu.” The word “anstatt” is a conjunction, while the word “statt” is a preposition. Both words can be used in this construction, but the use of “anstatt” is more common. For example:
“Ich gehe ins Kino, anstatt zu Hause zu bleiben.” (I go to the cinema instead of staying at home.)
In conclusion, understanding these three constructions in German grammar can greatly enhance the ability of intermediate German learners to express more complex ideas. Remember to practice using “um zu + infinitive,” “ohne zu + infinitive,” and “(an)statt zu + infinitive” in your German writing and speaking to become more proficient in the language.