When to use “damit” and “um … zu” in German
There are two different ways to say "in order to" in German. While working as an online German teacher, I realized that many students find it tricky to decide on one or the other. By the end of this article, you will not only understand when to use "damit" or "um … zu," but you'll also be able to apply them confidently in your sentences.
Recommended study materials on the topic:
Package: overview & exercises „damit“ & „um… zu…“ (incl. answers)
B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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How to say “in order to” in German
There are two different ways to say "in order to" or "to" in German: "damit" and "um … zu." Now, you might wonder when you should use which one and how you can build a sentence with them. This confusion is common among German learners, but fortunately, this guide will clarify everything you need to know.
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Using “damit” in German
"Damit" is typically used when you have two different subjects in the two parts of your sentence. This word works similarly to how we use "in order to" in English. One key grammatical point is that when you use "damit," the sentence's main verb needs to be placed at the end (a common structure with German conjunctions, as you might already know).
Another advantage of using "damit" is that it allows you to start a sentence with it, as seen in the second example below. This flexibility makes "damit" a powerful tool in sentence construction, especially when emphasizing the purpose of an action.
For example:
“Ich gehe früh schlafen, damit wir morgen früh losfahren können”
“Damit wir morgen früh losfahren können, gehe ich früh schlafen.”
Remember: Use 'damit' for clauses with the same or different subjects; the verb always goes to the end!
Using “um …. zu” in German
This conjunction has the same meaning as "damit," but with a key difference: "um … zu" is used when the subject of both clauses is the same. This structure is particularly useful for emphasizing the purpose of an action within the same subject.
When constructing a sentence with "um … zu," ensure that the verb is in its infinitive form and positioned at the end of the clause. The infinitive verb follows "zu," and it remains unchanged regardless of the subject.
For example:
“Ich gehe zum Sport, um fit zu sein.”
“Um fit zu sein, gehe ich zum Sport.”
In these sentences, the subject "ich" remains consistent, which is why "um … zu" is the correct choice.
Remember: Use 'um ... zu' for clauses with the same subject; the verb always goes to the end!
Master the art of expressing purpose and intention in German with this comprehensive printable PDF grammar bundle. This material is specifically designed for A2 and B1 learners to confidently navigate the rules of Finalsätze using "damit" and the infinitive construction "um... zu...".
Whether you are preparing for a Goethe/telc B1 exam or improving your daily communication, these worksheets provide clear structures to help you understand when to use a subordinate clause and when to use an infinitive.
What you will get in this grammar bundle:
In-Depth Grammar Overviews: 2 pages of clear explanations detailing the sentence structure, word order (Verb-Ende), and the crucial differences between subject-identical and non-identical sentences.
Extensive Written Practice: A 4-page worksheet featuring diverse exercises and a full Lösungsschlüssel (answer key) to build grammatical accuracy and confidence.
Real-Life Communication: A dedicated conversation exercise designed to help you apply "damit" and "um... zu..." naturally in spoken German contexts.
All materials are:
Teacher-Created Quality
Flexible Learning Formats
Comprehensive Study Support
Key differences between "damit" and "um … zu"
Now that you know the difference between "damit" and "um … zu," you can confidently use both at the right time.
To summarize:
Use "damit" when the subjects of the two clauses are different.
Use "um … zu" when both clauses have the same subject.
Understanding these nuances will help you form accurate and natural-sounding sentences in German. Whether writing or speaking, these tips will ensure you choose the right conjunction every time.
Conclusion
I hope it's clear to you now when to use "damit" and "um … zu" in German sentences. With these guidelines, you can confidently choose the right conjunction. Don't miss the article about: Using "um … zu," "statt … zu," and "ohne … zu" in German for even more insight into these essential structures.
Bis bald!
Steffie
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