Breakdown of Das zu lesende Skript liegt auf dem Schreibtisch.
lesen
to read
auf
on / to (down/up to a level)
liegen
to lie
der Schreibtisch
the desk
zu
to (infinitive marker)
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
das Skript
the lecture notes
Questions & Answers about Das zu lesende Skript liegt auf dem Schreibtisch.
What exactly is the structure zu lesende expressing here?
This is the Gerundivum. It is formed with zu + the present participle (lesend) + an adjective ending (-e). It acts as an adjective placed right before a noun to express a passive obligation. Here, das zu lesende Skript translates to "the lecture notes that must be read" or "that are to be read."
Why does zu lesende get an -e at the end?
When you use a present participle (like lesend) attributively in front of a noun, it declines exactly like a normal adjective. Because it follows the definite article das (neuter nominative singular), it takes the weak adjective ending -e.
How could I rewrite this sentence using a relative clause instead of the Gerundivum?
You can express the exact same passive obligation using a relative clause with a modal verb: Das Skript, das gelesen werden muss, liegt auf dem Schreibtisch. You could also use a relative clause with the sein zu structure: Das Skript, das zu lesen ist, liegt auf dem Schreibtisch.
Does Skript mean a movie script here?
It can mean a script for a movie or play, but in a German academic setting, das Skript (often short for das Vorlesungsskript) refers to the printed lecture notes, presentation slides, or course reader provided by a professor or lecturer.
Just to be sure, why are we using the dative dem in auf dem Schreibtisch?
auf is a two-way preposition. Because the verb liegt (from liegen) describes a state of rest in a static location, it answers the question "where?" (wo?) and therefore requires the dative case. If someone were actively putting the notes onto the desk (answering "where to?"), you would use the accusative (den) alongside the action verb legen.
Learn Das zu lesende Skript liegt auf dem Schreibtisch and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free