Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu'
Learning outcomes
I can use the structure 'um ... zu' with an infinitive to answer the question 'why' when discussing positive experiences.
I can transcribe and pronounce [v] and [w] accurately.
- Year 9
Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu'
Learning outcomes
I can use the structure 'um ... zu' with an infinitive to answer the question 'why' when discussing positive experiences.
I can transcribe and pronounce [v] and [w] accurately.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- [v] is pronounced as in 'vor' and [w] as in 'Welt'. The letter f' sounds the same in both languages.
- In 2-verb structures, the 2nd verb in the infinitive comes at the end of the sentence.
- Some verbs require the addition of 'zu' when combined with a 2nd (infinitive) verb.
- Infinitive constructions with 'zu' are separated from other clauses with a comma.
- 'Um ... zu', meaning 'in order to', is used with an infinitive to answer the question 'why?'.
Keywords
[v] - pronounced as in 'vor'
[w] - pronounced as in 'Welt'
2-verb structure - where the 2nd (infinitive) verb comes at the end of 2-verb sentences
Um ... zu - a structure meaning 'in order to' used with an infinitive
Common misconception
In 2-verb structures, the 2nd infinitive verb is always followed by 'zu'.
When followed by a 2nd verb in the infinitive, modal verbs and 'werden' never take 'zu'. Many other verbs do, for example 'versuchen, etwas zu tun' and 'helfen, etwas zu tun'.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the numbers from smallest to largest.
Q2.Match the German and English.
Q3.Match the German and English.
Q4.Order the words to say: 'I wanted to read a book about history.'
Q5.Write in English: 'du wolltest wach bleiben'.
Q6.Write in German: 'I had to eat fruit'.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the words and missing sounds.
