Often German students are insecure when they should be using “zu” before a verb. Find out in this article when and how to use “um … zu,” “statt … zu,” and “ohne … zu”. 

“zu” in German

Do you struggle with using “zu” before a verb in German? You’re not alone. Many students find it difficult to determine when and how to use this word correctly. Unfortunately, trying to apply English grammar rules doesn’t always work out well, either! Don't worry, though - I am here to help. In the following discussion, we will cover essential concepts such as "um... zu," "statt… zu," and "ohne … zu" so that you can confidently master these tricky phrases once and for all!

Recommended study materials on the topic:

• Overview of „damit“ & „um… zu…“

• Exercises „damit“ & „um… zu…“ (incl. answers)

• Package: overview & exercises „damit“ & „um… zu…“ (incl. answers)

• B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

• German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

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“um … zu …” in German

If you want to express the purpose of an action in German, “um … zu …” is a valuable construction that means “in order to.” It’s important to note that when using this structure, the subject used in the main clause should also be used in the “um … zu …” part. If there are different subjects involved, then it would be better to use "damit" instead. Although starting with "um ...zu …" is possible and acceptable in German sentence formation, one can also place it at any position within their sentence as per convenience while keeping a few things, like word order, etc., into consideration. So if you wish your written or spoken communication to sound more precise and clear, try incorporating these tips for practical usage of  “um... zu …”.

Rules:

1. The verb in the “um … zu …” part takes the position at the end of the sentence.

2. The verb that follows the “zu …” needs to be in the infinitive form (the unchanged verb, e.g., machen)

3. If you have a separable verb, the “zu” gets in between the prefix and the rest of the verb (einzuschlafen, auszusteigen, mitzumachen)

Examples:

1. Ich lerne viel, um den Test zu bestehen. – (I am learning a lot in order to pass the test.)

 Um den Test zu bestehen, lerne ich viel.

2. Ich gehe einkaufen, um später Abendessen für meine Familie zu kochen. – (I go shopping in order to cook dinner for my family later.)

   Um später Abendessen für meine Familie zu kochen, gehe ich einkaufen.

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“statt … zu” in German

You can use “statt … zu …” if you would like to express “instead of + verb.” Likewise the “um … zu …” construction, you must have the same subject in both parts of your sentence. Moreover, you can also start a sentence with “statt … zu …” or put it in the second part. In general, the rules of “um … zu …” also apply to “statt … zu …”.

Rules:

1. The verb in the “statt … zu …” part takes the position at the end of the sentence.

2. The verb that follows the “zu” needs to be in the infinitive form (the unchanged verb, e.g., machen)

3. If you have a separable verb, the “zu” is between the prefix and the rest of the verb.

Examples:

1. Ich bin auf eine Party gegangen, statt für den Test zu lernen.  – (Instead of studying for the test, I went to a party.) 

   Statt für den Test zu lernen, bin ich auf eine Party gegangen.

2. Ich habe ihr eine Sprachnachricht gesendet, statt sie anzurufen. – (Instead of calling her, I sent her a voice message.)

   Statt sie anzurufen, habe ich ihr eine Sprachnachricht gesendet.

“ohne … zu …” in German

By using “ohne … zu …” you can say “without + verb.” Like the other two constructions, also with “ohne … zu …” you need to have the same subject in both parts of your sentence. Likewise, you can also start a sentence with “ohne … zu …” or put it in the second part.

Rules:

1. The verb in the “ohne … zu …” part takes the position at the end of the sentence.

2. The verb that follows the “zu” needs to be in the infinitive form (the unchanged verb, e.g., machen)

3. If you have a separable verb, the “zu” is between the prefix and the rest of the verb.

Examples:

1. Ich bin zum Arzt gegangen, ohne einen Termin zu machen.  – (I went to the doctor without making an appointment.) 

   Ohne einen Termin zu machen, bin ich zum Arzt gegangen.

2. Ich habe den Test bestanden, ohne viel dafür zu lernen. – (I have passed the test without having to learn a lot for it.)

   Ohne viel dafür zu lernen, habe ich den Test bestanden.

The three “zu”-constructions

After reading this article, I hope that you know how to use all of three constructions properly. They all follow the same rules: If you know one, you know them all! If you would like to broaden your German grammar knowledge a little bit more, check out when to use “damit” and “um … zu” in German

Bis bald!

Steffie

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