Standard Lemma guide

zu-infinitive

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A German infinitive form created by adding or infixing the particle zu and used in subordinate clauses.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: grammar, human-sciences, linguistics, sciences

Examples

  • abgeben → abzugeben
  • vorbereiten → vorzubereiten

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From German zu + infinitive.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: zu-Infinitiv — a German infinitive form created by adding or infixing the particle zu
  • German: erweiterter Infinitiv — a German infinitive form created by adding or infixing the particle zu