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German Phrase

Ich hab vor, bald wandern zu gehen.

/ɪç haːp ˈfoːɐ̯ ˈbald ˈvandɐn tsuː ˈɡeːən/
Meaning"I’m planning to go hiking soon."
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Meaning

Literally, “I have the intention, soon to go hiking.” In everyday English it translates to “I’m planning to go hiking soon.” The phrase expresses a future intention rather than a firm appointment.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to tell a friend, family member, or colleague that you intend to start a hiking trip in the near future. It works well in casual conversation, travel planning, or when discussing weekend activities.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichhabvor,baldwandernzugehen.

1

vorhaben + zu‑Infinitiv

The verb vorhaben is followed by a zu‑infinitive clause to express an intention or plan.

2

colloquial hab

In spoken German hab is the shortened form of habe; it is fine in informal contexts but avoid it in formal writing.

3

comma placement

A comma separates the main clause from the infinitive clause (Ich habe vor, …).

4

double infinitive

When the infinitive clause itself contains another infinitive (wandern zu gehen), the zu still belongs to the second verb.

5

adverb position

Temporal adverbs like bald usually appear directly before the infinitive clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich hab vor, bald wandern zu gehen.

I’m planning to go hiking soon.

Das klingt super! Welches Ziel hast du im Auge?

That sounds great! Which destination do you have in mind?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich hab vor bald wandern zu gehen.

    Missing comma after ‘vor’; the infinitive clause must be separated.

  • Ich hab vor, bald zu wandern gehen.

    ‘zu’ belongs to the second infinitive (gehen), not to ‘wandern’. The correct order is ‘wandern zu gehen’.

  • Ich hab vor, bald wandern gehen.

    The ‘zu’ is required when the infinitive clause follows vorhaben.

  • Ich hab vor, bald wandern zu gehen.

    In formal writing use the full form habe instead of hab.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich habe vor, bald wandern zu gehen.

    I’m planning to go hiking soon.

  • Ich plane, bald wandern zu gehen.

    I plan to go hiking soon.

  • Ich will bald wandern gehen.

    I want to go hiking soon.

  • Ich habe vor, bald eine Wanderung zu machen.

    I intend to do a hike soon.

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Cultural Tip

Hiking (Wandern) is a beloved pastime in German‑speaking countries, especially in the Alps, the Black Forest, and the Harz. It’s common to join a Wanderverein or use the extensive network of Wanderwege marked with colored signs. When you mention a hike, listeners may ask about the difficulty level, the planned route, and whether you’ll bring a Rucksack and proper boots.