Infinitivkonstruktionen: um … zu, ohne … zu, statt … zu
Purpose, accompanying non-action and alternatives. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Um … zu: purpose
Use um … zu + infinitive to express a purpose when the understood subject of the infinitive is normally the same as the subject of the main clause: “Ich lerne jeden Tag, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.”
The infinitive with zu is placed at the end of the construction. With separable verbs, zu usually appears between the prefix and the stem: einzukaufen, aufzuräumen.
2. Ohne … zu and statt … zu
Ohne … zu expresses an action that does not happen alongside the main action: “Er ging, ohne sich zu verabschieden.” Statt … zu / anstatt … zu means “instead of doing”: “Sie sah fern, statt zu lernen.”
If the subjects differ, a subordinate clause with ohne dass or statt dass is usually more suitable: “Er ging, ohne dass jemand ihn bemerkte.”
3. Subject control and punctuation
The subject of the infinitive construction is generally understood to be the same as the subject of the main clause. Avoid sentences where the implied subject becomes illogical.
Place a comma before an extended infinitive group, especially with um, ohne or (an)statt. In formal writing, include the comma consistently.
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Um … zu expresses purpose.
Ohne … zu expresses an action not performed.
Statt … zu expresses an alternative action.
Add a comma before the infinitive construction.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which construction expresses purpose?
2. Choose the correct sentence.
3. If the main and subordinate subjects differ, which form is usually appropriate?
4. Which is the correct form of separable aufräumen with zu?
5. “Sie sah fern, statt zu lernen” means she…
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.