The infinitive as part of the sentence
An infinitive can carry out different uses in a sentence. Amongst them there is Satzglied (autonomous part of the sentence)
a) The infinitive instead of the subject
Es freut mich Dich zu sehen. |
I'm pleased to see you |
Uns ärgert es, ständig auf euch warten zu müssen. |
It bothers us that we always have to wait for you. |
b) The infinitive instead of the object of the accusative
Ich bewundere es, hart zu arbeiten. |
I admire hard work. |
Er hasst es zu warten. |
He hates waiting |
c) The infinitive instead of the object of the genitive
Er schämt sich, kleiner als die anderen zu sein. |
He's embarrased about being shorter than the others. |
Die Studentin rühmt sich, die besten Noten zu haben. |
The student boasts about having the best marks. |
d) The infinitive instead of the prepositional object
Der Gärtner beschloss, einen Rosenstock zu pflanzen. |
The gardener decided to plant a rosebush. |
Der Lehrer beschloss, seine Schüler zu bestrafen. |
The teacher decided to punish the students |
e) The infinitive instead of the attributive
Ich beherrsche die Kunst, Klavier zu spielen. |
I dominate the art of playing the piano. |
Ich habe die Kraft weiter zu machen. |
I have the strength to continue. |
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Exercises
Translate the following sentences.
(Click on the box to see the answers; double clivk to return to the original position)