Double infinitive
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
In perfect with modals: haben + infinitive + modal.
How it works
When a modal verb or verbs like lassen, sehen, hören or helfen appear in the perfect, the past participle is replaced by the infinitive. Two infinitives stand together at the end: Ich habe nicht kommen können (I have not been able to come). This structure is required in subordinate clauses, where the auxiliary goes before the double infinitive: weil ich nicht habe kommen können.
When to use it
Use a double infinitive in the perfect of modal verbs and verbs like lassen, where the participle is replaced by the infinitive.
Use cases
- Describing an ability in the past: Ich habe das nicht verstehen können
- Describing a permission in the past: Wir haben früher gehen dürfen
- Describing a perception in the past: Ich habe ihn kommen sehen
Examples
- Ich habe gehen müssen – I had to go
- Sie hat den Film nicht sehen wollen. – She did not want to see the film.
- Er hat ihm helfen müssen. – He had to help him.
- Wir haben gestern lange warten müssen. – We had to wait a long time yesterday.
Common mistake
Using a participle such as "gedurft" when a second infinitive is present. The double infinitive is correct: "Ich habe gehen dürfen."
Memory tip
Haben + infinitive + modal: "Ich habe das nicht machen müssen."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.