Clauses & Modal Verbs With "zu"

"Zu" is a preposition in German that is used to indicate direction or movement towards a place, person, or object.

It can also indicate purpose or intent and can be translated as "to" in English.

Infinitive clauses with: um...zu, ohne…zu, anstatt…zu

In addition to simple infinitives, there are three other ways to make an infinitive construction with zu in a subordinate clause. In each of them, the subject of the subordinate clause must be the same as in the main clause.

Furthermore, zu and the infinitive verb are placed at the end of the sentence.

Infinitive clauses with "zu"

Infinitive clauses are subordinate clauses without a subject. The verb in the infinitive clause is placed at the end of the sentence with the preposition "zu."

We can only use infinitive clauses when the subject in the subordinate clause isn't important or is obvious from the context.

Infinitive clauses are usually introduced after:

Brauchen as a Modal Verb with "zu" + Infinitive

The verb brauchen can be used like a modal verb when it's in the negative form. Then, it has the same meaning as nicht müssen (not need to), but we have to add the preposition with the infinitive.