Word order 2 (AQA GCSE German): Revision Notes
Word order 2
Introduction
German sentence structure becomes more sophisticated when you start using complex constructions. These advanced word order patterns will help you express more nuanced ideas and demonstrate higher-level German skills in your GCSE exam. Let's explore some key structures that will enhance both your spoken and written German.
Purpose clauses with um...zu
How to form um...zu clauses
When you want to express purpose in German (meaning "in order to" in English), you use the um...zu construction. This structure tells us why someone is doing something.
Structure pattern: Main clause + comma + um + infinitive + zu
The infinitive verb always goes to the end of the um...zu clause, right after zu.
Worked Examples: Purpose Clauses
- Er arbeitet samstags, um Geld zu verdienen. (He works on Saturdays in order to earn money)
- Ich arbeite hart, um gute Noten zu bekommen. (I work hard in order to get good marks)
- Sie geht aus, um neue Leute kennenzulernen. (She goes out in order to meet new people)
Special rule for separable verbs
When using separable verbs in um...zu clauses, the zu fits between the prefix and the main verb, creating one complete word.
Separable Verb Example:
Sie geht früh ins Bett, um auszugehen. (She goes to bed early in order to go out)
Notice how "ausgehen" becomes "auszugehen" with zu inserted in the middle.
Other constructions with zu + infinitive
Common verbs requiring zu + infinitive
Several German verbs need to be followed by zu + infinitive to complete their meaning. These constructions also require a comma before the zu clause.
Key verbs and examples:
- hoffen (to hope): Ich hoffe, gute Noten zu bekommen. (I hope to get good grades)
- versuchen (to try): Wir versuchen, früh ins Bett zu gehen. (We try to go to bed early)
- beginnen (to begin): Ich habe begonnen, gesünder zu essen. (I have started to eat more healthily)
- vorhaben (to intend): Ich habe vor, auf die Uni zu gehen. (I intend to go to university)
Useful expressions with zu + infinitive
Some fixed expressions also use this pattern:
Fixed Expression Examples:
- Es macht Spaß, ins Kino zu gehen. (It's fun to go to the cinema)
- Es ist nützlich, Mathe zu lernen. (It's useful to learn maths)
Alternative constructions
You can also express similar ideas using:
- ohne...zu (without): Er ging nach Hause, ohne auf mich zu warten. (He went home without waiting for me)
- statt...zu (instead of): Instead of using zu, this shows an alternative action
Relative clauses
Understanding relative clauses
Relative clauses add extra information to sentences by describing someone or something in more detail. They answer questions like "which one?" or "who exactly?".
Structure of relative clauses
A relative clause consists of:
- Main clause (can stand alone): Der Lehrer ist toll. (The teacher is great)
- Relative clause (gives extra information): der uns Deutsch unterrichtet (who teaches us German)
- Complete sentence: Der Lehrer, der uns Deutsch unterrichtet, ist toll. (The teacher who teaches us German is great)
Word order rules
Critical Rule for Relative Clauses:
In relative clauses, the verb always goes to the end:
- Ich habe das Buch gefunden, das du verloren hast. (I found the book which you lost)
- Der Film, den wir gesehen haben, war zu lang. (The film that we saw was too long)
Choosing the right relative pronoun
The relative pronoun (der, die, das, etc.) depends on:
- The gender and number of the noun it refers to
- The case required by the verb in the relative clause
Important note: At Foundation tier, you typically only need to recognise these structures with simple cases.
Useful vocabulary
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| arbeiten | to work | Ich arbeite hart. |
| verdienen | to earn | Geld verdienen |
| bekommen | to get/receive | Noten bekommen |
| hoffen | to hope | Ich hoffe auf Erfolg. |
| versuchen | to try | Wir versuchen es. |
| vorhaben | to intend/plan | Was hast du vor? |
| unterrichten | to teach | Deutsch unterrichten |
| kennenzulernen | to get to know | neue Leute kennenzulernen |
| gesünder | healthier | gesünder essen |
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Essential Grammar Tips:
- Comma placement: Always use a comma before um...zu clauses and zu + infinitive constructions
- Verb position: In relative clauses, the verb goes to the end
- Pronunciation: The zu is unstressed and pronounced quickly
- Word order: Don't forget that German word order changes in subordinate clauses
Translation practice
German to English
- Ich arbeite samstags, um Geld zu verdienen.
- Der Lehrer, der uns Deutsch unterrichtet, ist sehr nett.
English to German
- I hope to find a good job.
- The girl who lives here is called Anna.
Answers
- I work on Saturdays in order to earn money.
- The teacher who teaches us German is very nice.
- Ich hoffe, eine gute Stelle zu finden.
- Das Mädchen, das hier wohnt, heißt Anna.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Use um...zu to express purpose ("in order to") - always put the infinitive at the end after zu
- Many German verbs need zu + infinitive to complete their meaning - don't forget the comma
- Relative clauses add extra information and always have the verb at the end
- Word order is crucial in German - these complex constructions show advanced language skills
- Practice these constructions regularly as they demonstrate sophisticated German for GCSE level