Double Infinitive (Doppelter Infinitiv)

When modal verbs are used in Perfekt/Plusquamperfekt, a special construction is needed.

The Problem

Modal verbs in Perfekt should use: haben + past participle

But: gekonnt, gemusst, gewollt sound awkward in some sentences.

The Solution: Double Infinitive

Instead of past participle, use the infinitive of the modal:

haben + Infinitive + Modal Infinitive

Examples

❌ Ich habe nicht kommen gekonnt.

✅ Ich habe nicht kommen können.

❌ Er hat arbeiten gemusst.

✅ Er hat arbeiten müssen.

When to Use

Use double infinitive when the modal verb has a dependent infinitive:

When NOT to Use

When modal verb is used alone (no dependent infinitive), use normal past participle:

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

In subordinate clauses, "haben" comes BEFORE the double infinitive:

With Other Verbs

Also used with: lassen, sehen, hören