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Year 9 - German

Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu'

Positive experiences: word order and prepositions

Unit Summary

This unit revisits a broad range of known grammar and vocabulary and introduces 'um...zu' +infinitive. New imperfect modals sollte and durfte are practised, together with further consolidation of Time-Manner-Place word order. Prepositions and cases for movement and location are consolidated.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use the structure 'um ... zu' with an infinitive to answer the question 'why' when discussing positive experiences.

Key Notes

  • [v] is pronounced as in 'vor' and [w] as in 'Welt'. The letter f' sounds the same in both languages.
  • In 2-verb structures, the 2nd verb in the infinitive comes at the end of the sentence.
  • Some verbs require the addition of 'zu' when combined with a 2nd (infinitive) verb.
  • Infinitive constructions with 'zu' are separated from other clauses with a comma.
  • 'Um ... zu', meaning 'in order to', is used with an infinitive to answer the question 'why?'.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • [v]: pronounced as in 'vor'
  • [w]: pronounced as in 'Welt'
  • 2-verb structure: where the 2nd (infinitive) verb comes at the end of 2-verb sentences
  • um ... zu: a structure meaning 'in order to' used with an infinitive

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • In 2-verb structures, the 2nd infinitive verb is always followed by 'zu'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

[v] is pronounced as in 'vor' and [w] as in 'Welt'. The letter f' sounds the same in both languages. In 2-verb structures, the 2nd verb in the infinitive comes at the end of the sentence.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. '[v]'

pronounced as in 'vor'. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: In 2-verb structures, the 2nd infinitive verb is always followed by 'zu'. Correction: When followed by a 2nd verb in the infinitive, modal verbs and 'werden' never take 'zu'. Many other verbs do, for example 'versuchen, etwas zu tun' and 'helfen, etwas zu tun'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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