German A2Chapter 12 of 26

Infinitive with zu

Say what you try, plan, need, and have time to do.

A2 learners need more than short main clauses. The infinitive with zu helps you talk about goals, plans, attempts, and possibilities: Ich versuche, mehr Deutsch zu sprechen. This chapter teaches the core pattern, common phrases, and the special position of zu with separable verbs.

70 minLevel: A2

What this chapter covers

  • I can recognise infinitive-with-zu sentences in everyday German.
  • I can use phrases such as versuchen, planen, Zeit haben, and Lust haben with zu.
  • I can place zu correctly before a normal infinitive and inside a separable verb.
  • I can write and understand short A2 messages about goals, learning, and plans.
  • I can connect my intentions with reasons using weil, denn, or deshalb.

What you will practise in the app

The full chapter includes 10 interactive exercises covering these formats:

  • Multiple choice questions
  • Vocabulary matching
  • Fill-in-the-blank sentences
  • Word order tasks
  • Listening comprehension
  • Translation practice
  • Guided writing task

Vocabulary: Goals & Learning

A small sample from this chapter's vocabulary set.

das das Zielgoal
der der Planplan
die die Möglichkeitpossibility
die die Chancechance, opportunity
die die Zeittime

This is only a small sample. The full vocabulary set — with audio, example sentences, and grammar details — is available in the free app.

Why this matters in Germany

This chapter helps you build German you can use in everyday situations in Germany — from understanding simple sentences to handling basic conversations, messages, appointments, study, work, and daily life. Practical language learned in context is easier to remember and use when it matters.

Practise the full chapter for free

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