darzulegen

Darzulegen is the non-finite form of the German verb darlegen, which means to present, explain, or set forth something such as facts, reasons, or evidence. The term is most commonly encountered in formal, administrative, and legal language, where it introduces an explanation or justification that must be provided.

Grammatical use and forms: Darlegen is an inseparable verb, whose finite forms follow normal conjugation (ich lege dar, du legst dar, er legt dar, etc.; perfect: hat dargelegt). The form darzulegen appears in non-finite constructions and is used in subordinate clauses or fixed phrases to introduce what is to be explained. In many formal styles, the infinitive with zu also appears as zu darlegen: for example, Es ist zu darlegen, dass... or Es ist darzulegen, warum... In addition, the noun form das Darlegen (the act of presenting or explaining) is used to refer to the act itself, as in das Darlegen der Beweise.

Usage and nuances: Darzulegen emphasizes the act of presenting or laying out arguments or evidence, often in judicial, bureaucratic, or argumentative writing. It can function as a dependent infinitive clause marker or, when nominalized, as a noun phrase. The choice between darzulegen and zu darlegen can reflect stylistic preference or a desire for a more formal tone; both are accepted in contemporary German, though zu darlegen is typically more common in everyday formal writing, while darzulegen appears in more constrained legal or academic registers.

See also: German grammar, nominalized infinitives, legal German, darlegen (verb), Darlegen (noun).