Gerund Or Infinitive übungen Mit Lösungen

Many learners of German, especially those whose native language doesn't have a direct equivalent, find the use of gerunds and infinitives challenging. While German doesn't have a true gerund form like "-ing" in English, infinitives can often function similarly. This article explores how infinitives function in German, providing explanations and exercises with solutions to help you master their use.

Understanding Infinitives in German

An infinitive in German is the base form of a verb, typically ending in "-en" or "-n". Examples include: machen (to make), gehen (to go), sein (to be), tun (to do), lesen (to read), spielen (to play). Infinitives can function as nouns, subjects, objects, or parts of verbal phrases.

Infinitives as Nouns

When used as nouns, infinitives are always capitalized and often used with the neuter article "das". This construction frequently expresses a general activity or action.

Example: Das Schwimmen ist gesund. (Swimming is healthy.) Here, "Schwimmen" (to swim) is used as a noun, meaning "swimming".

Infinitives with "zu"

The construction "zu + infinitive" is extremely common and versatile. It acts similarly to the English infinitive "to + verb". It can function as the subject, object, or an adverbial clause within a sentence.

Example: Es ist wichtig, Deutsch zu lernen. (It is important to learn German.) Here, "zu lernen" functions as the object of "ist wichtig".

Sometimes, a comma is required before "zu + infinitive", particularly when it expands on a noun or is part of a complex sentence. Other times, the comma can be omitted for stylistic reasons.

Important Note: When the "zu + infinitive" construction is part of a verbal phrase with modal verbs (können, müssen, sollen, dürfen, wollen, mögen), the "zu" is generally omitted when the infinitive of the verb follows the modal verb.

Example: Ich muss Deutsch lernen. (I must learn German.) (No "zu" before "lernen" because of the modal verb "muss").

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives with "zu"

Many verbs in German commonly take an infinitive clause with "zu" as their object or complement. Some frequent examples include:

• beginnen (to begin)
• versuchen (to try)
• vergessen (to forget)
• raten (to advise)
• empfehlen (to recommend)
• erlauben (to allow)
• verbieten (to forbid)
• glauben (to believe)
• hoffen (to hope)
• scheinen (to seem)
• pflegen (to tend to)

Example: Ich versuche, die Aufgabe zu lösen. (I am trying to solve the task.)

Verbs Followed Directly by Infinitives (Without "zu")

A select group of verbs are *always* followed directly by an infinitive *without* "zu". The most important of these are the modal verbs (können, müssen, sollen, dürfen, wollen, mögen), as well as:

• lassen (to let, to leave)
• sehen (to see)
• hören (to hear)
• helfen (to help) - but can also take "zu" in some cases

Example: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)

Example: Ich sehe ihn kommen. (I see him coming.)

Exercises with Solutions

Now, let's test your understanding with some exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the infinitive, including "zu" where necessary.

Exercise 1: Add "zu" where needed.

1. Es ist schön, ____ (reisen).
2. Ich muss Deutsch ____ (lernen).
3. Sie versucht, die Wahrheit ____ (sagen).
4. Er will ein Buch ____ (lesen).
5. Es ist verboten, hier ____ (parken).

Solutions:

1. Es ist schön, zu reisen.
2. Ich muss Deutsch lernen.
3. Sie versucht, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
4. Er will ein Buch lesen.
5. Es ist verboten, hier zu parken.

Exercise 2: Translate the sentences into German using infinitives.

1. It is important to be punctual.
2. I want to go home.
3. She is trying to understand the problem.
4. He has to work hard.
5. It is difficult to learn German.

Solutions:

1. Es ist wichtig, pünktlich zu sein. OR Pünktlich zu sein, ist wichtig.
2. Ich will nach Hause gehen.
3. Sie versucht, das Problem zu verstehen.
4. Er muss hart arbeiten.
5. Es ist schwierig, Deutsch zu lernen. OR Deutsch zu lernen, ist schwierig.

Exercise 3: Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in parentheses, with or without 'zu'.

1. Ich habe vergessen, das Licht ________ (ausschalten).
2. Er hilft mir, das Auto ________ (reparieren).
3. Sie plant, nächstes Jahr nach Berlin ________ (fahren).
4. Wir können das Problem leicht ________ (lösen).
5. Es ist gesund, viel Wasser ________ (trinken).

Solutions:

1. Ich habe vergessen, das Licht auszuschalten.
2. Er hilft mir, das Auto zu reparieren. (Although "helfen" can sometimes be followed by an infinitive without "zu", using "zu" here is generally preferred and considered more grammatically correct).
3. Sie plant, nächstes Jahr nach Berlin zu fahren.
4. Wir können das Problem leicht lösen.
5. Es ist gesund, viel Wasser zu trinken.

Tips for Mastering Infinitives

• Memorize the verbs that always take "zu": Creating flashcards or using online resources can help you remember the verbs that require "zu" before the infinitive.
• Learn the verbs that never take "zu": Focus on mastering the modal verbs and the other exceptions, such as lassen, sehen, and hören.
• Practice regularly: The more you practice using infinitives in different contexts, the more natural they will become.
• Read and listen to authentic German: Pay attention to how native speakers use infinitives in their speech and writing.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Learn from your errors and keep practicing.
• Use a Grammar Checker: Tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool can help you identify errors in your writing and provide suggestions for improvement.

By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can master the use of infinitives in German and improve your overall fluency. Remember that consistent effort and attention to detail are key to success in language learning.