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http://www.deutschseite.de |
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learning target |
Aim of this topic is to speak about "infinitive + to" -structures.
German | English |
Es ist schön, dich zu kennen. | It's nice to know you. |
rules |
The "infinitive + to" -structure is a kind of "attachment" of the main sentence to provide
additional information or to complete the idea of the main sentence.
The use of the "infinitive + to" -structure is in German and English almost the same.
There are some little differences, however.
"Infinitive + to" -structures of "normal" verbs
The "infinitive + to" -structure of "normal" verbs is just added to the main sentence: |
examples:
"Infinitive + to" -structures of separable verbs
In "Infinitive + to" -structures of separable verbs the "zu" goes between the prefix and the stem: |
examples:
The introducing preposition: "um", "ohne" and "anstatt"
By now we just spoke about the simple infinitives.
More often, however, the infinitive structures start with one of the three propositions:
When do you have to start an "infinitive + to" -structure with "um"?
You have to the "infinitive + to" -structure with "um" whenever it expresses a purpose - |
examples:
As you can see in the examples above you would leave out "in order" in English. It sounds a bit odd.
In German, however, you must use "um".
"ohne" and "anstatt"
The use of "ohne" and "anstatt" is easy and becomes clear if you read the examples.
examples:
examples:
The comma placement
If there is more than just the "infinitive + to" -structure after the main sentence, |
examples:
exercises |
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summary - documents for your folder |
Infinitiv mit "zu" (theory, 2 pages) | |||