Breakdown of Diese Probleme zu bewältigen, verlangt viel Offenheit und Toleranz.
und
and
das Problem
the problem
viel
much / a lot
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
zu
to (infinitive marker)
verlangen
to demand
bewältigen
to overcome (a task, crisis)
die Offenheit
the openness
die Toleranz
the tolerance
Questions & Answers about Diese Probleme zu bewältigen, verlangt viel Offenheit und Toleranz.
Why is the verb verlangt immediately after the comma?
The entire infinitive phrase Diese Probleme zu bewältigen occupies Position 1 in the sentence. In German, the conjugated verb must come in Position 2. Because the infinitive phrase acts as the subject here, verlangt immediately follows it to take that second position.
How do we know what form of the verb to use when an infinitive phrase is the subject?
When an infinitive phrase like Diese Probleme zu bewältigen is the subject of a sentence, it is always treated grammatically as a third-person singular noun (like it or es). Therefore, we use the third-person singular verb ending: verlangt.
Is the comma after bewältigen strictly necessary here?
According to standard German spelling rules, a comma is technically optional when an infinitive phrase acts as the core subject of the main clause. However, it is highly recommended to use one here because the infinitive phrase is expanded with its own object (Diese Probleme), and the comma makes the sentence structure much easier to read at a glance.
What is the difference between bewältigen and simply using lösen (to solve)?
While lösen just means to solve a problem logically or practically, bewältigen means to overcome, tackle, or master something difficult (like a crisis, trauma, or a massive workload). It emphasizes the significant effort and emotional or mental strength required to get through it.
Could I use braucht instead of verlangt in this sentence?
Yes, you could use braucht (needs), but verlangt (demands or requires) sounds more formal and emphatic. It stresses that overcoming these problems actively demands openness as a prerequisite. Another excellent, B2-level alternative here would be erfordert.
Learn Diese Probleme zu bewältigen, verlangt viel Offenheit und Toleranz 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