Infinitive clause in German
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
As the name suggests, an infinitive clause always contains a verb in its infinitive form, which is the not-conjugated form of the verb. The infinitive can be accompanied with or without the word "zu", which is the German equivalent for "to".
Infinitiv without 'zu' | Sie kann die Prüfung schaffen. | She can pass the test |
Infinitiv with 'zu' | Sie hofft, die Prüfung zu schaffen. | She hopes to pass the test |
For building the infinitive clause you always need the the infinitive form with "zu"!
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
These clauses are without a subject. The subject is in the main clause, which stands before the infinitive clause. Infinitive clauses refer to the person or thing of the main clause!
As mentioned above, you always need zu + infinitive of the verb to build and infinitive clause. In German this combination will always be at the end of the infinitive clause, in English this is not the case.
If the verb in the infinitive clause is a separable verb, then the "zu" will stand between the two parts of the verb.
After certain words you follow up with "zu" + infinitive. The following table provides you with the most important of these words.
Infinitive | Translation | Main clause | Infinitive clause | Translation of the sentence |
---|---|---|---|---|
anbieten | To offer | Sie hat uns angeboten, | bei dem Umzug zu helfen. | She offered to help us moving |
anfangen | To start | Morgen fängt es an, | zu schneien. | Tomorrow it will start to snow |
aufhören | To stop | Hör bitte auf, | zu schreien. | Please stop to scream |
beginnen | To begin | Ich beginne jetzt schon, | mich auf die Klausur vorzubereiten. | I already begin to prepare myself for the exam |
sich bemühen | To try | Er bemüht sich, | eine neue Wohnung zu finden. | He's trying to find a new apartment |
bitten | To ask | Ich bitte dich, | die Tür zu schließen. | I ask you to close the door |
denken an | To remember | Denk daran, | die Wäsche aufzuhängen. | Remember to hang up the laundry |
erlauben | To allow | Meine Eltern erlauben mir, | im Sommer nach Spanien zu fliegen. | My parents allow me to fly to spain in the summer |
glauben | To think / To believe | Warum glaubt er, | eines Tages berühmt zu sein. | Why does he think to be famous one day? |
hoffen auf | To hope | Sie hofft immer noch darauf, | entdeckt zu werden. | They still hope to be discovered |
verbieten | To forbid | Ihr Vater verbietet ihr, | abends auszugehen. | He father forbids her to go out in the evening |
vergessen | To forget | Sie hat vergessen, | mir zum Geburtstag zu gratulieren. | She forgot to congratulate me to my birthday |
versuchen | To try | Du kannst versuchen, | auf den Baum zu klettern. | You can try to climb up the tree |
warnen vor | To warn | Ich habe dich davor gewarnt, | mit dem Motorrad zu fahren. | I warned you to drive with the motorcycle |
In German the infinitive always stands at the end of the sentence
Infinitive | Translation | main clause | Infinitive clause | Translation of the sentence |
---|---|---|---|---|
bereit sein zu | To be prepared | Ich bin dazu bereit, | die Prüfung zu schreiben. | I am prepared to write the exam |
entschlossen sein | To be determined | Wir sind entschlossen, | nach Italien zu fahren. | We are determined to go to Italy |
erlaubt sein | To be allowed | Es ist erlaubt, | Fragen zu stellen. | He is allowed to ask questions |
falsch sein | To be wrong | Es war falsch, | nicht die Wahrheit zu sagen. | It was wrong not to say the truth |
gesund sein | To be healthy | Es ist nicht gesund, | jeden Tag Eis zu essen. | It is not healthy to drink a cup of coffee each morning |
gewohnt sein | To be used to | Ich bin es gewohnt, | jeden Morgen eine Tasse Kaffee zu trinken. | I am used to drink a cup of coffee each morning |
leicht sein | To be easy | Es ist leicht, | einfach aufzugeben. | It is easy to just give up |
richtig sein | To be right | Es ist richtig, | seine Meinung zu sagen. | It is right to say your opinion |
verboten sein | To be forbidden | Es war verboten, | am Gelände zu essen. | It was forbidden to eat at the rail |
Infinitive | Translation | Main clause | Infinitive clause | Translation of the sentence |
---|---|---|---|---|
die Absicht haben | To have the intention | Wir haben die Absicht, | nach Rom zu fahren. | We have the intention to go to rome |
Angst haben (vor) | To have the fear | Sie hat Angst, | die Wahrheit zu sagen. | She has fear to say the truth |
eine Freude sein | To be a joy | Es ist eine Freude, | dich zu sehen. | It is a joy to see you again |
Problem haben | To have the problem | Er hat das Problem, | niemanden zu kennen. | He has the problem to know nobody |
(keine) Zeit haben | (Not) having time | Ich habe keine Zeit, | dir zuzuhören. | I have no time to listen to you |
Prove your knowledge now with the following free exercise!
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela has helped me along with improving my german language skills over the past nine months with great success. She has a clear structured approach but constantly adapts the lessons to your needs and interests to keep you motivated. During the lessons, she consistently adds vocabulary to the discussion, meaning that you are always learning more without the feeling of being overwhelmed with information. She is also very flexible with bookings. I can positively recommend learning german with Mihaela.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Micaela is an excellent teacher, prepared and above all organized and awake. My lerning experience has been more than positive!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a very experienced teacher. She really loves teaching and transmit this passion to her students. Excellent teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a German native speaker who loves languages and am passionate about teaching others. I work as language teacher in a school, teach adults at the German Culture Center and prepare my students for all types of official language exams. I love my job and always seek to make it as much fun as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I recommend Her; My teacher Melanie is a dynamic and friendly teacher, very knowledgeable, flexible and open to discussions on any subject. available to check my exercises and flexible regarding class time slots. Very nice experience! She immediately understood my goals and was able to help me improve my skills. I recommend her to anyone who wants to take and pass their exams and improve their German skills.
Melanie A.Hello Douaa, thank you. I am happy that I could help you and I had fun. I wish you all the best.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I happen to be a safety and security specialist for a major oil and gas exploration company and have also done my one year TEFL Diploma. I have been teaching English to students online as well as in classrooms primarily out of passion and love for teaching English and helping the students overcome their difficulties and lack of confidence/ motivation towards using English in their every day lives. My average rating happens to be 4.99/5 with 5 star reviews on English teaching websites such as www.engoo.com and https://eikaiwa.dmm.com/.
Despite being a non native English speaker; I happen to have native level proficiency in aspects of English language and am very passionate about helping students achieve their goals and aspirations in life via use of exclusive and result orientated lesson that have allowed me to achieve my level of skills in English Language. Lastly, owing to my diversified professional back ground, I also provide consultation services with regards to motivation and self improvement and help individuals gain self confidence and to think objectively.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Shahbaz is an English teacher from Pakistan who has had a lot of experience with adult audiences mainly and with beginners. He has learning materials to work both your comprehension and English verbal skills. He is a very concise and well-recommended teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Christina and I provide fun German&and French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!
I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Christina is amazing. From our first lesson I could tell that she really cared and wanted to help me prepare for my exam. I look forward to every lesson! I can't recommend her enough, she is perfect!
Christina F.Thank you dear Luke
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello,
my name is Veronika and I am a student in Florence at the academy of fine arts. I have been in Italy for three years and I really like the Italian language. In school i learned english and during journeys i used to speak a lot of english so i'm also able to teach in english.
I am from Germany so I am a German native speaker. I have already taught German to some of my friends and would love to teach my language to more people as well. At the beginning I would like to do grammar lessons and the most used words to deepen the basic knowledge of the language. Then I will continue to have conversations in German to increase vocabulary and to give confidence in dialogue and in any case in speaking the language in real scenarios. The most important thing by learning a new language is to learn it through hearing and speaking. Being difficult at first to formulate sentences will then become easier and easier and thus you arrive at a fluent and confident way to speak the new language.
For myself I learned Italian three years ago with this method so I also know what it is like to learn a language and I can help you with my teaching to learn German that way.
I can not wait to start!
greetings Veronika
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My experience with Veronika as a teacher was and still is really good. In order to reach my goals, she has setup a structured schedule and has provided good learning material. Due to my work, I had to reschedule some of my lessons and she always showed understanding in this regards. She is very friendly and easy to talk to. I can only recommend her!
Veronika N.Thank you very much!!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I am Christin!
After training as a pastry chef and studying business administration, I traveled a lot and discovered my interest in languages. To find out more about teaching languages, I decided on further training at the Goethe Institute and completed it. During the Goethe Institute "Learn to teach German" course I was able to give individual language lessons and actively support the examination preparation for the Goethe certificate.
My lessons are needs-oriented. That means that learning goals are discussed with you and based on your level of knowledge. Whether grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, expression or the practice of communication situations: German as a foreign and second language classes are flexible and take place in a group or one-to-one lessons with individual support and are based on your wishes and requirements. The teaching of content and topics takes place according to the respective language level. Building vocabulary, grammar and means of speaking are structured and conveyed logically building on each other. Let's get to know each other in a free trial class. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, Wie gehts? Ich heiße Anna! What can I say? Learning German language isn´t easy but I´m happy to say that I´ve chosen the right teacher for me. She is very nice and patient. She happily answered all my questions and explain things in a way you can understand easily. She gives you different homeworks in which sometimes I can´t submit on time because I´m currently undergoing surgery and therapy but she is so understanding about it. Now, I somewhat understand some German writings I´ve read without translating it, and i´m just so happy that I am making progress. Thanks Christin!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have a degree in English and I have been teaching English for 6 consecutive years.
I find teaching English gratifying and thoroughly enjoyable, and it gives me immense joy to see people I teach improve in their written and spoken English.
My specialties are phonics, grammar, vocabulary, public speaking, conversational English and writing. But I can teach other aspects of English too.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
This teacher had learning materials and experience, however there were a few problems with the connection.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Tim Grundl and I have been teaching languages professionally for over 15 years. By using modern methods and a personal approach, the lessons become sustainable and motivating. The fun of learning should not be neglected, because learning is only possible in a relaxed atmosphere.
Book a free trial lesson and form your own opinion.
Whatever your goals are, conversation training, writing letters or emails, etc., together we will create a goal-oriented, individual plan to achieve these goals as stress-free as possible.
I would be happy to work with you.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My husband has really enjoyed the lessons he's had with Tim. The material is rigorous and in-depth. Even after previous lessons, Tim has been able to push my husband and keep his confidence up.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
she is very flexible about rescheduling the classes. she gives a lot of exercises that fit my level and make sure to correct me if I miss pronouncing some words or have difficulty to read them.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) I'm a German language teacher with a Bachelor and Master degree in German and with many years of teaching experience.
I was born and lived in Switzerland for many years and grew up in a bilingual family, because of that I speak German, Swiss German, Croatian and English :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, listening audio, reading, writing and for some fun: games and role plays :)
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books: Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen, ....
If you wish to have only conversational lessons, I can arrange this also for you (only available for B1 and B2 level).
* IMPORTANT: coLanguage shows only my general availability, if you want to book a lesson, please sent me a message with your availability and language level, and I will contact you as soon as possible with more informations :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela is very professional, punctual and well organised. She plans the lessons well with relevant materials based on the student interests and level. She is very flexible about rescheduling classes and always available for any doubts or requests.
Mihaela S.Thank you very much Marilena :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am French living in Lisbon in Portugal. I have lived in different countries such as England, the United States and India. It gave me some experience of learning a foreign language and teaching it.
I am passionate about different cultures and try to share my love for French culture with you in a lively way.
I adapt to the needs of the students, whether to improve their oral, written, prepare for an exam or a job interview. I prioritize the conversation to allow the student to "unblock" and have fun speaking the language. I write down the vocabulary and grammar that the student lacks to express himself.
Learning a foreign language is, in my view, above all through cultural curiosity. We want to learn a language because we want to live in the country, travel there or get to know it better. We feel attracted. It is its Culture that motivates us in our learning: music, film, text, literature, way of being and cultural differences forming "another world". This means that learning is not just about learning a list of words and grammar lessons, as is taught too often in school. Practice again and again through conversation, books, music, movies and above all the pleasure of speaking and listening.
I adapt the student's personal work according to their available time and their objective (conversation, deadline for an exam, scheduled trip, etc.).
I am at your disposal for any further information.
See you soon,
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Florence is a lovely teacher. She is very flexible as to the kind of lesson you need. I have really enjoyed my lessons and look forward to them each week.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone and a big warm welcome to all the fellow language learners,
My name is Katerina, I’m a native Russian speaker and a foreign language teacher from St Petersburg, Russia. I’ve always been addicted to learning foreign languages, be it English, German, Spanish, Turkish or Arabic, so turning my passion into my job was just a matter of time. I have a Master’s degree in linguistics which taught me to understand the way the mechanism of a language works and thus to help my students see the logics behind the grammar rules. Being a constant language learner enables me to see the process from both sides and to predict the difficulties my students might face. The fact that I’m not a native speaker of English or German means I’ve been through exactly the same language-learning journey you’re about to take, and thanks to my personal experience as a student, I can make this road smooth for you.
I've had students of all ages, from pre-school kids to senior generation, and I feel comfortable working with both beginners and those who are eager to take their learning process to a new level. In my classes I encourage you to talk in the language we’re studying as much as possible, putting every single bit of knowledge into practice right away. If you’re a Russian-learner, I’d be glad to prove it to you that you can absolutely nail my mother-tongue - and yes, you’ll be able to make a small talk in Russian by the end of the first class even if you’re an absolute beginner! We’ll be focusing on the topics that are most relevant to your goals, while discovering the language and getting to know more about the culture of people who speak it.
I offer a short free trial class, for us to give each other a smile and discuss our teaching pattern, in order to ajust it to your goals and make our lessons the bee's knees :) See you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Katja is a great teacher! She really pushes her students to speak in as much German as they can and the materials she provides are perfectly suited for her students learning goals! I enjoy working with her very much and look forward to our weekly lessons! She has helped me learn many German phrases and vocabulary that I can use immediately.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
My name's Eleonora. I am from Ukraine. I am a qualified teacher and a Russian native speaker.
In 2007 I graduated from pedagogical university and since that time I work as a teacher. I love my job and always ready to share my knowledge with everyone.
If you want to improve your Russian, English or German or start learning them you will definitely like my lessons. My classes are developed for each student according to their level, interests and needs.
I try to make lessons various and use different kinds of teaching methods, exercises and technologies. My lessons include:
My schedule is quite flexible so contact me and we'll arrange the time for lessons.
See you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Eleonora is very friendly and methodological teacher, perfectly adapting to students needs. I have enjoyed my every class learning.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials