Formal Intention: die Absicht haben zu
Building a self-sufficient eco-village takes more than just a dream; it requires deliberate planning and clear goals.
Normally, you might use the modal verb wollen (to want) to express a plan. However, when discussing serious goals, business plans, or deliberate missions, German speakers frequently use a formal alternative: die Absicht haben (to have the intention).
Because die Absicht haben is a noun phrase, it cannot take a bare infinitive like a modal verb does. Instead, it pairs with an infinitive clause separated by a comma. Place zu (to) right before the infinitive verb at the very end of the sentence.
| They have the intention to found an eco-village. | Sie haben die Absicht, ein Ökodorf zu gründen. |
| We have the intention to realize the vision self-sufficiently. | Wir haben die Absicht, die Vision autark zu verwirklichen. |
| The commune has the intention to live completely self-sufficiently. | Die Kommune hat die Absicht, völlig autark zu leben. |
To state that you do not intend to do something, place nicht directly before die Absicht in the main clause.
| We do not have the intention to build the eco-village without a solar power system. | Wir haben nicht die Absicht, das Ökodorf ohne Solaranlage zu bauen. |
As your project grows and sentences become more complex, the grammar remains exactly the same. No matter how many details you add to the dependent clause, the zu + infinitive always anchors the very end.
| The founders have the intention to build an ecological greenhouse in the commune. | Die Gründer haben die Absicht, ein ökologisches Gewächshaus in der Kommune zu bauen. |
| Because of the drought, they have the intention to save water. | Aufgrund der Dürre haben sie die Absicht, Wasser zu sparen. |
Using this structure elevates your German, making your plans sound like deliberate, professional commitments rather than just casual wishes.
