Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the structure 'um ... zu' with an infinitive to answer the question 'why' when discussing positive experiences.
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'.
Teacher tip
Further practice with verbs taking 'zu' plus infinitive and 'um ... zu' can be done with whiteboards and pairwork activities, with pupils jointly developing additional sentences beyond the examples given. The writing task in learning cycle 3 can also be adapted for speaking.
Licence
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.
shop
May
November
September
Christmas
week
Q3.Match the German and English.
to choose, select
to fall asleep
to enjoy, enjoying
to try, trying
to help, helping
to take, taking
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.
[f]
[v]
[w]
Q2.Which sentences need 'zu' and a comma adding?
Q3.Order the words to say: 'I plan to greet the lady'.
Q4.Write in German: 'in order to sell the car'.
To help you plan your 9 German lesson on: Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 German lesson on: Answering the question 'Why?': two-verb structures with 'um ... zu', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 German lessons from the Positive experiences: word order and prepositions unit, dive into the full secondary German curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.