Der Infinitivsatz — Verbs with “Zu”: Part 2

I. Theory

The preposition zu is often found before infinitives in German, much like “to” is in English. However, in German, zu is not present when there is a modal verb plus an infinitive. Therefore, zu is most frequently seen when the infinitive in question is in its own clause (an Infinitivsatz) or used in conjunction with a verb that is not a modal verb.

For Example:

Ich möchte Deutsch lernen (no “zu” due to modal verb). I would like to learn German.

But

Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen. I am trying to learn German.

II. Verbs often found with “zu” + infinitive

There is a wide range of verbs/expressions that are found in conjunction with Infinitivesätze. This lesson focuses on four of them: versuchen, sich weigern, sich entscheiden, and warnen.