damit or um ... zu?

Both express purpose, and the subject decides: um ... zu is used when both parts share one subject, damit when the subject changes.

Both express purpose, and the subject decides: um ... zu is used when both parts share one subject, damit when the subject changes.

um ... zu

One subject for both parts. The subordinate clause has no subject of its own and ends in „zu“ plus infinitive.

Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Wien zu studieren.I'm learning German in order to study in Vienna.

Two different subjects. The subordinate clause is complete, with its own subject and the verb at the end.

Ich erkläre es noch einmal, damit alle es verstehen.I'll explain it once more so that everyone understands.

Ich spare Geld, um meine Tochter studieren kann.

Ich spare Geld, damit meine Tochter studieren kann.

The subject changes from „ich“ to „meine Tochter“, which rules out „um ... zu“. Two subjects require „damit“.

Ask who the subject is: unchanged means um ... zu, changed means damit. „damit“ always works, „um ... zu“ merely sounds more elegant.

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