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Year 11 - German

Arbeiter und Arbeitslose: 'obwohl', 'zu' clauses um...zu, ohne...zu, statt...zu

People and lifestyle: Menschenrechte

Unit Summary

This unit revisits known grammar with an emphasis on simple past and perfect tense, 'obwohl' with single verb structures, word order 2, and 'zu..' clauses following verbs (for example planen, hoffen). New vocabulary is added to support the discussion of human rights.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use 'obwohl' with word order 3 and infinitive constructions with 'zu' to understand and discuss rights and support for both workers and unemployed people in Germany.

Key Notes

  • The conjunction 'obwohl' triggers word order 3, which sends the verb to the end of the sentence or clause.
  • When combined with a second verb in the infinitive, some verbs require the addition of 'zu'.
  • Infinitive constructions are separated from other clauses with a comma.
  • Use 'um … zu' + infinitive to mean 'in order to, 'statt ... zu' for 'instead of', 'ohne ... zu' for 'without'.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • word order 3 (WO3): after certain conjunctions, the verb is sent to the end of the sentence or clause
  • infinitive: form of the verb giving its general meaning, with no subject or tense

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All verbs with a second infinitive need 'zu'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The conjunction 'obwohl' triggers word order 3, which sends the verb to the end of the sentence or clause. When combined with a second verb in the infinitive, some verbs require the addition of 'zu'.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'word order 3 (WO3)'

after certain conjunctions, the verb is sent to the end of the sentence or clause. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: All verbs with a second infinitive need 'zu'. Correction: Although some verbs do need 'zu' when used with a second verb in the infinitive (e.g., 'versuchen', 'planen', 'vergessen', 'hoffen'), modal verbs never use 'zu'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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