Introduction to Brauchen zu + Infinitiv
The verb brauchen in German means "to need." When combined with zu + Infinitiv (to + infinitive), it expresses a necessity or requirement, similar to "need to" in English. This construction is commonly used in both positive and negative statements.
Basic Structure
To form a sentence with brauchen and zu + Infinitiv, place the conjugated form of brauchen before the object or subject, followed by zu and the infinitive of the main verb at the end of the sentence.
Ich brauche zu lernen. - I need to study.
Sie braucht zu arbeiten. - She needs to work.
Using Brauchen zu + Infinitiv in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, nicht brauchen + zu implies that there is no need or obligation to do something, similar to "don't need to" in English.
Du brauchst nicht zu kommen. - You don’t need to come.
Er braucht nicht zu warten. - He doesn’t need to wait.
Wir brauchen nicht zu helfen. - We don’t need to help.
Examples of Brauchen zu + Infinitiv in Sentences
Here are more examples of brauchen zu + Infinitiv used in sentences:
1. Sie braucht nur zu fragen. - She only needs to ask.
2. Ich brauche das Buch nicht zu kaufen. - I don’t need to buy the book.
3. Wir brauchen nichts zu machen. - We don’t need to do anything.
4. Du brauchst nur zu lernen. - You only need to study.
Note: Remember that in German, brauchen with zu + Infinitiv is frequently used in negative sentences to show that something is not necessary.