Word order 2 (Edexcel GCSE German): Revision Notes
Word order 2
Word order becomes more complex when you want to create sophisticated German sentences. These advanced structures will help you achieve higher grades by demonstrating complex language skills in both speaking and writing.
Mastering these complex sentence structures is essential for achieving advanced proficiency in German. They demonstrate sophisticated language control and are frequently tested in exams.
Um ... zu clauses
Um ... zu constructions express purpose, meaning "in order to" in English. This structure allows you to explain why someone does something.
Basic structure
The standard pattern follows this word order:
Main clause + comma + um + zu + infinitive
The comma before um is mandatory in German grammar!
Worked Examples: Um ... zu constructions
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Er arbeitet samstags, um Geld zu verdienen | He works on Saturdays in order to earn money |
| Ich arbeite fleißig, 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 get to know new people |
With separable verbs
When using separable verbs in um ... zu clauses, zu sits between the prefix and the main verb, creating one complete word.
Critical Rule for Separable Verbs:
zu goes between the prefix and main verb as one word.
Example: kennenzulernen (to get to know) = kennen + zu + lernen
Other clauses with zu + infinitive
Several verbs require zu + infinitive after them to complete their meaning. When using these structures, place a comma before the infinitive phrase and put zu + infinitive at the end.
Worked Examples: Verbs requiring zu + infinitive
| German Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ich hoffe, gute Noten zu bekommen | I hope to get good grades |
| Wir versuchen, früh ins Bett zu gehen | We try to go to bed early |
| Ich habe begonnen, gesünder zu essen | I have started to eat more healthily |
| Ich habe vor, auf die Uni zu gehen | I intend to go to university |
Additional structures to learn
These impersonal constructions with es are particularly useful for expressing opinions and preferences:
| German Structure | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 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
- ohne ... zu + infinitive (without doing something)
- statt ... zu + infinitive (instead of doing something)
Example with alternative constructions:
Er ging nach Hause, ohne auf mich zu warten (He went home without waiting for me)
Relative clauses
Relative clauses add extra information to sentences using relative pronouns (der, die, das). These clauses cannot stand alone and provide additional details about a person or thing mentioned in the main clause.
Structure formation
Follow these steps to create correct relative clauses:
- Start with the main clause that can stand independently
- Add the relative clause with extra information that cannot stand alone
- Use a comma to separate the two clauses
- Place the verb at the end of the relative clause
- Choose the correct case by examining the relative clause itself
Critical Point about Relative Pronoun Cases:
The relative pronoun's case depends on its function within the relative clause, NOT the main clause. Always analyse what role the pronoun plays in its own clause.
Examples with different cases
Worked Examples: Relative clauses with case analysis
| German Example | English Translation | Case Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ich habe das Buch gefunden, das du verloren hast | I found the book which you lost | Accusative (das Buch is the object in the relative clause) |
| Der Film, den wir gesehen haben, war sehr lang | The film that we saw was very long | Accusative (den Film is the object in the relative clause) |
Translation practice
Translate into German using the structures above:
- I play sport in order to be healthy
- We are going to the cinema in order to see a new film
- I hope to find a job
- She tries to work hard
- The girl who has blonde hair is called Anna
- The people who live here are friendly
Answers:
- Ich treibe Sport, um gesund zu sein
- Wir gehen ins Kino, um einen neuen Film zu sehen
- Ich hoffe, einen Job zu finden
- Sie versucht, hart zu arbeiten
- Das Mädchen, das blonde Haare hat, heißt Anna
- Die Leute, die hier wohnen, sind freundlich
Key Points to Remember:
- Um ... zu always means "in order to" and requires a comma before um
- With separable verbs, zu goes between the prefix and main verb as one word
- Relative clauses must have the verb at the end and use a comma to separate from the main clause
- The case of relative pronouns depends on their role within the relative clause itself
- These complex structures demonstrate sophisticated German and help achieve higher grades