Breakdown of Er fordert uns auf, auf den Einsatz zu warten.
er
he
uns
us
warten
to wait
auf
on / to (down/up to a level)
zu
to (infinitive marker)
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
auffordern
to ask (to do something)
der Einsatz
the cue (theater, music)
Questions & Answers about Er fordert uns auf, auf den Einsatz zu warten.
Why are there two aufs right next to each other separated by a comma?
They belong to two completely different structures! The first auf is the separable prefix of the main verb auffordern (to ask/call upon). It gets pushed to the end of the main clause. The second auf is the preposition belonging to the infinitive phrase warten auf (to wait for). It looks repetitive, but both are grammatically required.
How does the rule for zu-infinitive clauses work in this sentence?
To use a zu-infinitive instead of a dass-clause, the implied subject of the infinitive must match a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Here, the accusative object of the main clause is uns (us). Because we are the ones who are supposed to wait, this 'object identity' allows us to shorten dass wir auf den Einsatz warten to simply auf den Einsatz zu warten.
If I used a verb that takes the dative instead of auffordern, would the zu-clause still work the same way?
Yes! The verb auffordern takes the accusative (uns), but the object identity rule also works perfectly with dative objects. For example, if you used befehlen (to command), which takes the dative, the sentence would be: Er befiehlt uns, auf den Einsatz zu warten. The zu-clause stays exactly the same.
I usually see Einsatz translated as 'deployment' or 'effort'. How does it mean 'cue' here?
Der Einsatz is a very versatile word that generally revolves around the idea of 'putting something into action.' In the context of music, theater, broadcasting, or even a coordinated team operation, it specifically refers to the moment someone is supposed to step in, start playing, or act—hence, their 'cue'.
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