klar↗A2 grammar topics

A2 · SUPPLEMENTARY GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Purpose clauses um zu and damit

Use um … zu to express a purpose with the same understood subject: Ich lerne, um die Prüfung zu bestehen. Damit introduces a finite subordinate clause and can express a different subject. Put its conjugated verb last. With a separable infinitive, zu goes between prefix and stem: aufzustehen.

Reference

PatternExample
Same subjectIch übe, um sicherer zu sprechen.
Different subjectIch spreche langsam, damit du mich verstehst.

Try four exercises

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1. Ich lerne, um die Prüfung ___.
Answer and explanation

zu bestehen

Um requires an infinitive construction with zu.

2. Ich spreche langsam, damit du mich ___.
Answer and explanation

verstehst

The finite verb agrees with du and goes last.

3. Choose the separable zu form of aufstehen.
Answer and explanation

aufzustehen

Zu is inserted between auf and stehen.

4. We need an explicit different subject after…
Answer and explanation

damit

Damit can introduce its own subject and finite verb.

Use it yourself

Write or say two new sentences using this pattern. Compare the forms and word order with the reference above.

Next: Obwohl and trotzdem word order →