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Year 10 - German

Abitur oder Ausbildung: ohne...zu..., entweder...oder..., weder...noch...

Studying and my future: Zukunftsentscheidungen

Unit Summary

This unit revisits present tense modal verbs. It consolidates the nominalisation of infinitives, feminine word formation (ending in -ung) and 'um...zu' and 'statt...zu' clauses. Pupils also learn 'ohne....zu' and phrases for expressing options, including 'entweder....oder' and 'weder...noch'.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a range of infinitive 'zu' clauses and compound conjunctions to discuss post-16 options and plans.

Key Notes

  • When combined with a second verb in the infinitive, some verbs require the addition of 'zu' before the infinitive.
  • Infinitive constructions are separated from other clauses with a comma.
  • Use 'ohne … zu' + infinitive to mean 'without', '(an)statt ... zu' for 'instead of', 'um ... zu' to mean 'in order to'.
  • Use the conjunction 'entweder … oder ...' to mean 'either … or ...' and 'weder … noch ...' to mean 'neither … nor ...'.
  • 'Entweder ... oder ...' and 'weder ... noch...' are useful for expressing options and possibilities.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • infinitive: form of the verb giving its general meaning, with no subject or tense
  • compound conjunction: a conjunction which consists of more than one word

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The subject and verb in a 'zu' clause must match the subject and tense of the linked clause.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

When combined with a second verb in the infinitive, some verbs require the addition of 'zu' before the infinitive. Infinitive constructions are separated from other clauses with a comma.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'infinitive'

form of the verb giving its general meaning, with no subject or tense. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: The subject and verb in a 'zu' clause must match the subject and tense of the linked clause. Correction: We always use the infinitive and never a subject and finite verb in constructions with 'zu'. This applies to all tenses.

More Lessons In This Unit

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