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Infinitive constructions are verb phrases built around an infinitive, often introduced by zu. They allow speakers to express intentions, purposes, obligations, or perceptions without forming a full subordinate clause. In German, infinitive constructions are widely used to make sentences more compact and stylistically flexible.
In this guide, you will learn:
what infinitive constructions are and how they function
when zu is required and when it is omitted
how infinitive constructions interact with sentence structure
common learner mistakes with word order and zu placement
This guide helps English-speaking learners understand infinitive constructions as an alternative to subordinate clauses that follows clear structural rules.
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