Breakdown of Wir haben jedes Symptom sofort zu melden.
haben
to have
wir
we
sofort
immediately
jeder
everyone / each
das Symptom
the symptom
melden
to report
Questions & Answers about Wir haben jedes Symptom sofort zu melden.
Why does this sentence use haben ... zu melden instead of just using müssen?
Both structures express obligation, but haben + zu + infinitive often carries a more formal, strict, or official tone. Here, it sounds like an absolute rule, such as a strict medical protocol or workplace policy. It is similar to the formal English 'We are to report...'.
Why does zu melden go at the very end of the sentence?
In this structure, the conjugated verb haben takes the normal second position, and zu + infinitive gets pushed to the end. They work together to form a 'verb bracket' around the object (jedes Symptom) and the adverb (sofort).
Why is it jedes Symptom and not jeden or jede?
Symptom is a neuter noun (das Symptom), and in this sentence it is the direct object, so it is in the accusative case. The word for 'every' (jeder) must take the neuter accusative ending -es, making it jedes.
Is melden only used for reporting medical things?
No, melden is a very versatile verb for reporting or announcing. You can use it to report a problem (ein Problem melden) or a crime. If you use it reflexively (sich melden), it means to get in touch with someone or to raise your hand in class.
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