TOPIC · Sentence structure & conjunctions

The infinitive without "zu" in German (Infinitiv ohne zu)

A2B1

After this lesson, the learner will be able to understand the use of the infinitive without "zu" in various contexts.

Infinitive without zu

In German, there are specific situations where the infinitive appears without "zu". This lesson will cover those cases, including examples to illustrate their usage.

1. After Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are special verbs that modify the meaning of another verb. The most common modal verbs in German are dürfen, können, mögen, müssen, sollen, wollen. After these verbs, the infinitive appears without "zu".

Modal VerbExampleTranslation
wollenIch will schwimmen.I want to swim.
könnenEr kann gut Basketball spielen.He can play basketball well.
sollenDu sollst deine Hausaufgaben machen.You should do your homework.

2. After Movement Verbs

Verbs describing motion often use the infinitive without "zu". Examples include gehen, kommen, fahren.

ExampleTranslation
Ich gehe einkaufen.I’m going shopping.
Wir fahren nach Berlin.We are going to Berlin.

3. After Perception Verbs

There are verbs that describe perception and can also use the infinitive without "zu", such as sehen, hören, fühlen, spüren.

ExampleTranslation
Ich höre die Vögel singen.I hear the birds singing.
Er sieht den Hund spielen.He sees the dog playing.

4. After Certain Verbs

Specific verbs like bleiben, haben, lassen, finden also use the infinitive without "zu".

ExampleTranslation
Ich lasse ihn spielen.I let him play.
Alle bleiben stehen.Everyone stays still.

5. Important Notes

  • In the perfect tense, only the auxiliary verb is conjugated. For example:
    • Ich habe ihn lachen hören. (I heard him laugh.)
  • Some verbs can be used both with and without "zu" like lernen, helfen, lehren.

Example:

ExampleWith "zu"Translation
Ich lerne tanzen.Ich lerne, wie man tanzt.I learn how to dance.

Conclusion

Understanding the usage of the infinitive without "zu" is an important structure in German. Mastering these cases will help increase your confidence in the language.