Infinitive Constructions – Using "um...zu..." in German

This section explains Infinitive Constructions – Using "um...zu..." in German. The "um...zu..." construction is an important way of showing purpose in German. Remember that it is used to answer "Why?" and is followed by the infinitive. Practice with a variety of subjects and verbs to get comfortable with its use.

What is "um...zu..."?

"Um...zu..." is a common structure in German used to express purpose or intention. It is similar to saying "in order to" or "so that" in English. This construction is typically used to explain why someone does something or to show the purpose of an action.

• Structure:
  um + infinitive + zu

How is it used?

In German, "um...zu..." is placed before the infinitive verb, and it answers the question "Why?" or "For what purpose?"

Examples of "um...zu..." in Sentences

Foundation Tier:

• Ich gehe ins Kino, um einen Film zu sehen.
  (I’m going to the cinema in order to watch a film.)
  • Explanation: The purpose of going to the cinema is to watch a film.
• Er lernt Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
  (He is learning German in order to work in Germany.)
  • Explanation: The purpose of learning German is to work in Germany.

Higher Tier:

• Wir haben das Buch gekauft, um mehr über Geschichte zu lernen.
  (We bought the book in order to learn more about history.)
  • Explanation: The purpose of buying the book is to learn more about history.
• Sie hat die Reise gebucht, um ihre Freunde in Paris zu besuchen.
  (She booked the trip in order to visit her friends in Paris.)
  • Explanation: The purpose of booking the trip is to visit friends in Paris.

Important Grammar Points:

• "um...zu..." is always followed by the infinitive form of the verb.
  • Example: um zu lernen (in order to learn), um zu essen (in order to eat)
• The subject of both parts of the sentence (before and after "um...zu...") is usually the same.
  • Example: Ich gehe ins Kino, um einen Film zu sehen. ("Ich" is the subject in both parts of the sentence.)
• If the subject in both parts is different, use "für" or another connector to link the clauses:
  • Example: Er arbeitet viel, damit seine Kinder eine gute Ausbildung bekommen.
    (He works a lot so that his children get a good education.)

Negative Form of "um...zu..."

Negative Form of "um...zu..."

To make the sentence negative, simply add "nicht" after the infinitive verb.

• Ich gehe nicht ins Kino, um einen Film zu sehen.
  (I am not going to the cinema in order to watch a film.)
• Er lernt nicht Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
  (He is not learning German in order to work in Germany.)

More Complex Higher-Tier Examples:

• Sie spart Geld, um sich ein neues Auto zu kaufen.
  (She is saving money in order to buy a new car.)
• Ich habe das Fenster geöffnet, um frische Luft hereinzulassen.
  (I opened the window in order to let fresh air in.)
• Wir haben den Film gesehen, um die Handlung besser zu verstehen.
  (We watched the film in order to understand the plot better.)

Difference Between "um...zu..." and "damit"

• "um...zu...": Used when the subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause is the same.
  • Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu leben.
    (I am learning German in order to live in Germany.)
• "damit": Used when the subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause is different.
  • Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, damit meine Eltern stolz auf mich sind.
    (I am learning German so that my parents are proud of me.)

Practice Questions:

1. Translate the following sentence into German using "um...zu...":
   She is working hard in order to pass the exam.
2. Complete the sentence:
   Ich spiele Basketball, ____________ fit zu bleiben.
3. Translate the following into German:
   They are saving money in order to go on holiday.

Answer 1: Sie arbeitet hart, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.

Answer 2: um

Answer 3: Sie sparen Geld, um in den Urlaub zu fahren.