Um … zu
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
Expresses purpose.
How it works
Um … zu expresses purpose, meaning "in order to". It is used when the subject of both clauses is the same: Ich lerne, um Deutsch zu sprechen. If the subjects differ, use damit with a clause instead. The construction is common in both speech and writing, and it sounds more natural than a plain infinitive.
When to use it
Express purpose with um … zu + infinitive, when the subject is the same in both clauses.
Use cases
- Explaining why you do something: Ich spare Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen
- Describing a plan: Wir gehen früh, um den Bus zu erwischen
- Giving a reason for an action in a formal letter
Examples
- Ich lerne, um Deutsch zu sprechen – I study in order to speak German
- Sie geht zur Bibliothek, um zu lernen. – She goes to the library in order to study.
- Wir fahren nach Wien, um die Oper zu besuchen. – We are driving to Vienna to visit the opera.
- Er trainiert hart, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. – He trains hard to pass the exam.
Common mistake
Using um … zu when the subjects differ; then use damit.
Memory tip
Um … zu = in order to. Same subject: "Ich lerne, um Deutsch zu sprechen."
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.