zu + Infinitiv vs dass-Satz
When to Use
Use zu + Infinitiv when the subject of both clauses is the same: 'Ich versuche, pünktlich zu kommen.' Use dass-Satz when subjects differ: 'Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.' Some expressions always take zu + Infinitiv (versuchen, anfangen, aufhören), others always dass (wissen with different subject).
Comparison
| zu + Infinitiv | dass-Satz | |
|---|---|---|
| Same subject | Yes (preferred) | Also possible (but heavier) |
| Different subjects | Not possible | Required |
| After adjectives | Usual (Es ist wichtig, ... zu ...) | Possible |
| After nouns | Usual (die Möglichkeit, ... zu ...) | Possible |
Examples
Correct
Ich versuche, pünktlich zu kommen.
Wrong
Ich versuche, dass ich pünktlich komme. (awkward)
Correct
Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.
Wrong
Ich hoffe, du zu kommen. (wrong!)
Correct
Es ist wichtig, gesund zu essen.
Wrong
Es ist wichtig, dass man gesund isst.
Tips
Quick check: Can both actions be done by the same person? → zu + Infinitiv. Different people? → dass.
zu goes right before the infinitive: 'pünktlich zu kommen' (not 'zu pünktlich kommen').
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