What is the um… zu Construction?
The um… zu construction is a popular way to express purpose or intention in German. It is similar to the English phrase “in order to.” This structure is used when the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same. It is important to remember that um… zu is only used with infinitive verbs and when both actions are performed by the same person.
How to Form the um… zu Construction
The um… zu construction follows a specific pattern:
- Main clause (action or statement),
- then um,
- followed by any additional information,
- then zu + infinitive verb at the end.
The general structure is:
Main clause + um + … + zu + infinitive (at the end).
Example:
Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
I am learning German in order to work in Germany.
Key Points to Remember
- Use um… zu only when the subject of both clauses is the same.
- The infinitive verb always goes at the end of the clause.
- If there is a separable verb, zu goes between the prefix and the verb stem. (e.g., um früh aufzustehen – in order to get up early)
More Practical Examples
- Sie geht in den Supermarkt, um Brot zu kaufen.
She goes to the supermarket in order to buy bread. - Wir sparen Geld, um eine Reise zu machen.
We save money in order to take a trip. - Er macht Sport, um gesund zu bleiben.
He does sports in order to stay healthy.
When Not to Use um… zu
Do not use um… zu when the subject of the purpose clause is different from the subject of the main clause. In those cases, use damit instead.
Incorrect: Ich gebe ihm Geld, um er das Buch zu kaufen.
Correct: Ich gebe ihm Geld, damit er das Buch kauft.
I give him money so that he buys the book.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting to put the infinitive verb at the end of the clause.
- Using um… zu when the subjects are different. Remember, use damit in those cases.
- Placing zu incorrectly with separable verbs. Always insert zu between the prefix and the verb stem.
Practice Exercises
Try to rewrite these sentences using the um… zu construction:
- I am going to the library (to read a book).
- She is studying (to pass the exam).
- We get up early (to go jogging).
Answers:
- Ich gehe in die Bibliothek, um ein Buch zu lesen.
- Sie lernt, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
- Wir stehen früh auf, um joggen zu gehen.
Conclusion
The um… zu construction is an essential tool for expressing purpose in German, making your speech and writing more precise and natural. Practice using this structure in your daily conversations and writing exercises. For more tips and interactive German learning resources, visit Talkpal’s AI language learning blog. With consistent practice, you’ll soon master expressing intentions and goals in German effortlessly.
