Um..
Zu/ Damit
1. "Um... zu"
Structure:
● "Um... zu" is used to express purpose when the subject of the
main clause and the subordinate clause is the same.
● It introduces an infinitive clause and translates as "in order to"
in English.
Rules:
1. Positioning:
○ The "um" comes at the beginning of the purpose clause.
○ "zu" is placed directly before the infinitive verb, which is at
the end of the clause.
2. Infinitive Verb:
○ The verb must be in the infinitive form (e.g., gehen,
machen, arbeiten).
3. No Separate Subject:
○ The subject in the main and subordinate clauses must be
the same.
Exceptions:
● If the subject differs, "um... zu" cannot be used. In such cases,
use "damit".
Examples:
1. Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren.
(I am learning German in order to study in Germany.)
2. Sie arbeitet viel, um mehr Geld zu verdienen.
(She works a lot to earn more money.)
3. Wir gehen früh ins Bett, um morgen fit zu sein.
(We go to bed early to be fit tomorrow.)
4. Er spart sein Geld, um ein Auto zu kaufen.
(He saves his money to buy a car.)
5. Ich mache Sport, um gesund zu bleiben.
(I exercise to stay healthy.)
6. Sie liest viele Bücher, um sich weiterzubilden.
(She reads many books to further educate herself.)
7. Ich nehme die U-Bahn, um schneller anzukommen.
(I take the subway to arrive faster.)
8. Wir kochen zu Hause, um Geld zu sparen.
(We cook at home to save money.)
9. Der Hund bellt, um Aufmerksamkeit zu bekommen.
(The dog barks to get attention.)
10. Er geht ins Fitnessstudio, um Muskeln aufzubauen.
(He goes to the gym to build muscles.)
2. "Damit"
Structure:
● "Damit" introduces a subordinate clause with a conjugated
verb and is used when the purpose involves a different subject
in the main and subordinate clauses.
● It translates to "so that" or "in order that" in English.
Rules:
1. Different Subject:
○ The subjects in the main and subordinate clauses must
differ.
2. Verb Position:
○ The verb in the "damit" clause is conjugated and placed at
the end.
3. Comma Usage:
○ A comma separates the main clause and the "damit"
clause.
Exceptions:
● "Damit" can sometimes be used even if the subject is the same,
but this is rare and occurs for stylistic reasons or emphasis.
Examples:
1. Ich erkläre es langsam, damit alle es verstehen.
(I explain it slowly so that everyone understands it.)
2. Er wiederholt die Übung, damit sie keine Fehler machen.
(He repeats the exercise so that they don’t make mistakes.)
3. Wir fahren früher los, damit wir pünktlich ankommen.
(We leave earlier so that we arrive on time.)
4. Sie arbeitet hart, damit ihre Kinder eine bessere Zukunft
haben.
(She works hard so that her children have a better future.)
5. Ich schreibe dir eine Nachricht, damit du Bescheid weißt.
(I write you a message so that you are informed.)
6. Er trägt eine Brille, damit er besser sehen kann.
(He wears glasses so that he can see better.)
7. Wir sparen Wasser, damit die Umwelt geschont wird.
(We save water so that the environment is protected.)
8. Sie singt laut, damit ihr Kind einschläft.
(She sings loudly so that her child falls asleep.)
9. Die Lehrerin erklärt es noch einmal, damit die Schüler alles
verstehen.
(The teacher explains it again so that the students understand
everything.)
10. Ich öffne das Fenster, damit frische Luft hereinkommt.
(I open the window so that fresh air comes in.)
Key Differences Between "Um... zu" and "Damit":
Aspect "Um... zu" "Damit"
Subject Same in main and Different in main and
subordinate clauses subordinate clauses
Verb Infinitive with "zu" Conjugated at the end of the
Form clause
Translati In order to So that
on
Comma No comma before "zu" Comma before the "damit"
Use clause clause
