German Phrase
Ich hab vergessen, es zu machen.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to express that a task or action was overlooked. It uses the present perfect tense 'habe vergessen' (shortened to 'hab' in spoken German) combined with an infinitive clause 'es zu machen'. It implies a lapse in memory regarding a specific responsibility or intention.
When to use
Use this when someone asks if you completed a task, or when you realize you missed a deadline. It is suitable for both casual conversations with friends and slightly more informal professional settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ichhabvergesseneszumachen
Hab (Habe)
This is the auxiliary verb 'haben' in the first person singular, often shortened to 'hab' in spoken German.
Vergessen
This is the past participle of 'vergessen'. In this case, the past participle looks identical to the infinitive.
Zu + Infinitive
The word 'zu' is used here to link the main clause to the infinitive phrase 'machen'.
🗨In Conversation
Hast du die Hausaufgaben erledigt?
Did you finish the homework?
Ich hab vergessen, es zu machen.
I forgot to do it.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich habe vergessen es machen.
German requires 'zu' before the infinitive in this specific construction.
Ich bin vergessen, es zu machen.
The verb 'vergessen' takes 'haben' as an auxiliary verb, not 'sein'.
↔Alternatives
Ich habe es nicht gemacht.
I didn't do it.
Es ist mir entfallen.
It slipped my mind.
Ich habe nicht daran gedacht.
I didn't think of it.
Cultural Tip
In German culture, being direct is often valued, so admitting you forgot something is usually better than making excuses. Using the contraction 'hab' instead of 'habe' makes you sound more like a native speaker in everyday speech, though you should use 'habe' in formal writing.