Learn German Final Clauses (Finalsatz): Understanding um zu and damit

Introduction to German Final Clauses 

Final clauses are an essential component of German grammar, allowing speakers to express purpose and intent with precision. Whether you're aiming to pass an exam or communicate more effectively with native speakers, mastering final clauses with 'um zu' and 'damit' is important. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into what final clauses are, how to construct them, and common pitfalls to avoid, complete with examples and practice opportunities.

What are Final Clauses?

Final clauses are dependent sentences that state the purpose or goal of the action or thing being described in the main clause. It is separated from the main clause with a comma.

Examples: 

• Ich gehe in das Kino, um mir einen Film anzugucken. I go to the cinema to watch a movie.
• Peter arbeitet viel, damit die Chefin zufrieden ist. Peter works hard to keep his boss happy.

Understanding um zu and damit 

The words 'um" and "zu' or 'damit' are used to express a goal or purpose, while um zu is used with an infinitive constructions, the verb in a damit clause must be conjugated. From a linguistic perspective it is better to use um zu if it is possible.

Examples: 

• Der Junge geht auf den Markt, um Gemüse zu kaufen. The boy goes to the market to buy vegetables.
• Anna lernt viel und ist fleißig, um gute Noten zu bekommen. Anna studies a lot and works hard to get good grades.
• Die Eltern kaufen ihren Kindern viele Geschenke, damit diese sich freuen. The parents buy their children lots of presents to make them happy.

How to Structure Final Clauses

Understanding how to structure sentences is key. The conjugated verb comes with a damit sentence at the end, in case a um zu structure is used, then there stands an infinitive of the verb. 

Examples: 

• Die Freunde fahren zur Party, um Spaß zu haben. 
• Er kocht jeden Sonntag ein gesundes Abendessen, damit seine Familie sich ausgewogen ernährt.

Examples of Final Clauses with um zu and damit

For most people it is easier to understand a grammar topic, when they have examples. In this section you can find many examples. 

Difference Between Final Clauses and Infinitive Clauses

Understanding the difference between final clauses and infinitive clauses is important for mastering German grammar. Final clauses express purpose and used with "um zu" or "damit," indicating why an action is performed. For example: "Ich gehe joggen, um fit zu bleiben" ("I go jogging to stay fit"). 

Infinitive clauses, however, function as complements to the main verb without expressing purpose, using just "zu."

Example:  

• Es ist verboten, hier zu rauchen. It is forbidden to smoke here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are common pitfalls that learners should be aware of when using them. The most common misstates are that students use a um zu structure when it is not possible because there is another subject in the subordinate clause. Another mistake that happens often, is that students use the wrong conjugation of the verb or place the verb at the wrong position. 

Key Takeaways

• 'The infinitive stands at the end if the sentence uses "um + zu".
• The conjugated verb comes at the end with a damit sentence. 
• Understanding subordinate clauses is  important for the German word order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which two types of Finalsätze exist? 

• The two different types are "um+zu" or “damit”.

Where can I practice the German Final Clauses with a free Quiz? 

You can find a free quiz for this topic: here.

How does the conjunction work? 

• The conjugation when you have a damit structure follows the same German grammar rules of subordinate clauses. Um + zu sentences place an infinitive at the end. You can read more about the German word order: here. 

Is it possible to answer with with a Final sentence? 

Of course it is possible. 

Can there be any issues or difficulties?

• The word placement, choice of type of Finalsatz can be difficult. 

Where to place the subject? 

• The um zu structure does not have a subject, the damit clause places the subject normally at the 1st position.

Comes the Final subordinate clause with a comma?

• Yes, it comes always with a comma.