German Phrase
Es hilft, alles auf Kurs zu halten.
Meaning
The sentence means that something is useful for keeping everything moving in the right direction. It is often used when talking about tools, habits, or strategies that prevent projects or plans from derailing.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to highlight a helpful measure, a piece of advice, or a resource that ensures progress stays steady—e.g., in meetings, project updates, or personal coaching.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eshilft,allesaufKurszuhalten.
Impersonal 'es'
The dummy subject 'es' is used when the real subject is an infinitive clause; it has no concrete referent.
Verb + infinitive with 'zu'
After verbs like 'helfen', the dependent action is expressed with an infinitive preceded by 'zu'.
Prepositional phrase 'auf Kurs'
Literally 'on course', this fixed expression means 'on track' or 'moving in the right direction'.
Word order in infinitive clause
In the infinitive clause, the verb 'halten' moves to the end, following the 'zu' particle.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben viele Aufgaben, die wir nicht aus den Augen verlieren dürfen.
We have many tasks that we must not lose sight of.
Ein gemeinsamer Zeitplan hilft, alles auf Kurs zu halten.
A shared schedule helps keep everything on track.
✕Common Mistakes
Es hilft alles auf Kurs halten.
Missing the 'zu' infinitive marker; after 'hilft' you need 'zu' + infinitive.
Es hilft, alles auf dem Kurs zu halten.
The idiomatic expression is 'auf Kurs' without an article.
↔Alternatives
Es trägt dazu bei, alles im Gleichgewicht zu halten.
It contributes to keeping everything in balance.
Damit bleibt alles auf dem richtigen Weg.
That keeps everything on the right path.
So bleibt alles im Zeitplan.
That way everything stays on schedule.
Cultural Tip
German frequently uses the impersonal 'es' with verbs like 'helfen' to introduce an infinitive clause. The phrase 'auf Kurs' is a nautical metaphor that has become common in business German, so it sounds professional but still conversational.