Introduction to Verbs with Infinitive without zu
In German, certain verbs are followed by an infinitive without zu (similar to "to" in English). These verbs directly take the infinitive form of another verb to express actions or states. Knowing these verbs is essential for constructing sentences accurately in German.
Common Verbs that Use Infinitive without zu
Here are some commonly used verbs that are followed by an infinitive without zu:
- lassen - to let
- sehen - to see
- hören - to hear
- helfen - to help
- bleiben - to stay
- gehen - to go
- lernen - to learn
Examples with Common Verbs Using Infinitive without zu
Ich sehe ihn kommen. - I see him coming.
Sie hört das Baby weinen. - She hears the baby crying.
Wir lassen die Kinder spielen. - We let the children play.
Er hilft mir kochen. - He helps me cook.
Using lassen with Infinitive without zu
Lassen is a common verb that indicates allowing or causing something to happen. It is often used with another verb in the infinitive without zu to express "letting" or "allowing."
Ich lasse meinen Freund fahren. - I let my friend drive.
Er lässt die Tür offen. - He leaves the door open.
Wir lassen den Hund laufen. - We let the dog run.
Using Modal Verbs with Infinitive without zu
In German, all Modalverben (modal verbs) are also followed by an infinitive without zu. This includes verbs like können (can), wollen (want), and müssen (must).
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. - I can speak German.
Wir müssen pünktlich kommen. - We must come on time.
Sie will nach Hause gehen. - She wants to go home.
Additional Examples and Practice
Here are more examples to understand the use of infinitive without zu in different contexts:
1. Er sieht den Vogel fliegen. - He sees the bird flying.
2. Wir hören die Musik spielen. - We hear the music playing.
3. Sie lernt schwimmen. - She is learning to swim.
4. Sie bleibt sitzen. - She remains seated.
Note: Practice identifying verbs that take infinitives without zu to improve your understanding of sentence structure in German.