Transforming 'dass' Clauses with 'zu'
When you talk about plans, hopes, or attempts, you might think to use a dass-clause (for example, "I plan that I create a cake"). However, in German, when the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause are the same, you generally reduce the dass-clause into an infinitive phrase.
To do this, drop the word dass and the repeated subject. Keep the verb at the very end of the phrase in its infinitive form, and place zu (to) directly in front of it.
| I plan to create a cake for the competition. | Ich plane, für den Wettbewerb einen Kuchen zu kreieren. |
Nouns and Infinitive Clauses
This same structure is frequently used to explain the goal, purpose, or content of specific nouns, such as a plan, an attempt, or an ambition.
| My ambition is to convince the jury. | Mein Ehrgeiz ist es, die Jury zu überzeugen. |
Word Order with Extra Information
When your infinitive clause contains extra details—like direct objects, adverbs, or prepositional phrases—all of that information stays in the middle of the phrase. The zu + infinitive always anchors the very end of the sentence.
| She loves to decorate the cake with a lot of dedication. | Sie liebt es, die Torte mit viel Hingabe zu verzieren. |
| He hopes to win the championship confidently. | Er hofft, die Meisterschaft souverän zu gewinnen. |
| We try to achieve an outstanding texture. | Wir versuchen, eine herausragende Textur zu erreichen. |
