zu sein
Translation
to be closed, to have to be, to be
Examples
Die Geschäfte sind sonntags zu.
The shops are closed on Sundays.
Die Regeln sind zu befolgen.
The rules are to be followed.
Es ist schön, hier zu sein.
It is nice to be here.
Grammar Patterns
sth. ist zu sth. is closed The door is zu.
sth. ist zu + infinitive sth. is to be done / can be done The task is to be solved.
es ist + adjective, zu + infinitive it is ... to do sth. It is hard to be alone.
Similar Words
geschlossen sein (to be closed); befolgt werden müssen (must be followed)
Etymology
'zu' can mean 'towards a closed state' or indicate an infinitive. 'sein' means 'to be'. The meaning depends on the context.
Memory Tips
Remember the two main uses: 1. 'ist zu' = is closed (like a door moving 'to' its frame). 2. 'ist zu + Verb' = has 'to' be done (necessity/possibility).