Infinitiv (Infinitive)

The Infinitiv is the base form of the verb in German, and it is used to express actions or states without conjugating for person or tense. It can function as the verb form in dependent clauses, after modal verbs, or in constructions that require the verb in its basic form.

Mood:

The Infinitiv is a non-finite form and does not indicate a specific mood like indicative or subjunctive. It serves as the action or state without conjugation.

Usage:

• After modal verbs: Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim.)
• In dependent clauses with zu: Es ist wichtig, zu lernen. (It is important to learn.)
• To express actions in their general form: Laufen ist gut für die Gesundheit. (Running is good for your health.)
• As part of compound verbs: Wir werden essen gehen. (We will go eat.)

Formation:

The Infinitiv form is typically the verb's root with endings such as -en for most verbs or -n for some irregular verbs.

Common Examples:

• -EN Verbs: spielen (to play), gehen (to go), machen (to do)
• -N Verbs: sein (to be), tun (to do)

Examples:

• Ich möchte Deutsch lernen. (I want to learn German.)
• Wir haben beschlossen, nach Hause zu gehen. (We decided to go home.)
• Lesen macht Spaß. (Reading is fun.)