Breakdown of Die Bauern versuchen, den Ertrag zu steigern.
versuchen
to try
der Bauer
the farmer
zu
to (infinitive marker)
der Ertrag
the yield
Questions & Answers about Die Bauern versuchen, den Ertrag zu steigern.
Why is there a comma before den Ertrag zu steigern?
In German, infinitive clauses that include objects or extra information (like den Ertrag) are usually separated by a comma. It makes the sentence easier to read by showing exactly where the zu + infinitive phrase begins.
What is the difference between steigern and steigen?
This is a common B1 mix-up! Steigen means something rises on its own (like prices or temperatures). Steigern means someone actively increases something. Because the farmers are actively doing the increasing here, we need the verb steigern.
Bauer usually means farmer. Why does it have an -n at the end here?
Die Bauern is the plural form here (the farmers). Der Bauer is part of a special group of masculine nouns (often called weak nouns or n-declension nouns) that add an -n or -en in the plural, as well as in all singular cases except the nominative.
This lesson is about dadurch, dass. How could I use that grammar structure with this sentence to explain how they increase the yield?