CLASS 8 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Infinitive groups and comma usage – basics and application
How it works
Infinitive groups are parts of a sentence with an infinitive, usually with ‹zu›, for example ‹zu gewinnen›. A comma must be used if the infinitive group is introduced by ‹um›, ‹ohne›, ‹statt›, ‹anstatt›, ‹außer› or ‹als›, depends on a noun, or is announced by a pointing word such as ‹darauf›, ‹daran› or ‹es›. In many other cases, a comma can be used, but it is not required.
Note
Set off an infinitive group with a comma if it is introduced by ‹um›, ‹ohne›, ‹statt›, ‹anstatt›, ‹außer› or ‹als›, if it depends on a noun, or if it is announced by a pointing word such as ‹darauf›, ‹daran› or ‹es›. In many other cases, the comma is optional.
Set off an infinitive group with a comma if it is introduced by ‹um›, ‹ohne›, ‹statt›, ‹anstatt›, ‹außer› or ‹als›, if it depends on a noun, or if it is announced by a pointing word such as ‹darauf›, ‹daran› or ‹es›. In many other cases, the comma is optional.
An example
In which sentence must a comma be used? A) ‹Er versprach(,) morgen zu kommen.› B) ‹Sie hatte den Wunsch(,) zu gewinnen.› C) ‹Wir hoffen(,) euch bald zu sehen.› D) ‹Ich glaube(,) ihn zu kennen.›
Solution: B. The infinitive group ‹zu gewinnen› depends on the noun ‹Wunsch›; therefore, one must write: ‹Sie hatte den Wunsch, zu gewinnen.›
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: German. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.