Infinitive Constructions

Kurz erklärt

Spanish often uses an infinitive after a conjugated verb to connect two actions with the same subject. Common patterns express wishes, ability, plans, necessity, or obligation. Unlike English, Spanish does not normally add a word equivalent to “to” before the infinitive in patterns such as quiero salir.

Bildung

conjugated verb + infinitive; ir a + infinitive; tener que + infinitive; hay que + infinitive; para + infinitive

Verwendung

• Use querer, poder, necesitar, or deber followed directly by an infinitive.
• Use ir a + infinitive for plans or the near future.
• Use tener que + infinitive for personal obligation and hay que + infinitive for a general necessity.
• Use para + infinitive to state the purpose of an action when the subject stays the same.

Beispiele

• Quiero aprender a cocinar. — I want to learn to cook.
• Vamos a visitar a mi abuela mañana. — We are going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
• Tengo que terminar este trabajo hoy. — I have to finish this work today.
• Ahorro dinero para viajar en diciembre. — I save money to travel in December.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Quiero a salir temprano.

✅ Quiero salir temprano.

Do not translate English “to” as a before an infinitive that follows querer directly.

Merke

Conjugate the first verb and leave the second verb in the infinitive. Learn whether each expression requires no connector, a, que, or para.