Adverbs in German describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, giving more information about the circumstances of an action: how, when, where, or to what extent it occurs. They are essential for adding detail and nuance to sentences.

German adverbs answer questions like: Wie? (How?), Wann? (When?), Wo? (Where?), Wie oft? (How often?), Wie sehr? (To what extent?)
They are often identical in form to adjectives but do not change for gender, number, or case.
Common types include: Manner (Wie?), Time (Wann?), Place (Wo?), Frequency (Wie oft?), Degree/Intensity (Wie sehr?).

What can adverbs modify in German?

verbs

other adverbs

nouns

adjectives

Adverbs in German can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.

Placement of Adverbs

Adverbs can appear in various positions depending on their type and emphasis:

Manner, Place, and Frequency Adverbs: Usually follow the conjugated verb in a main clause.

Example: Er spielt [manner] gut [place] hier [frequency] jeden Tag.

Time Adverbs: Typically come directly after the conjugated verb or at the end of the clause.

Example: Wir essen jetzt. / Wir essen Abend.

Adverbs of Degree: Precede the word they modify.

Example: Sie ist sehr klug.

In subordinate clauses, the verb goes to the end, and most adverbs precede the verb.

Where do most adverbs (except time) appear in a main clause?

At the beginning only

Before the subject

After the conjugated verb

Most adverbs (except time adverbs) in German main clauses appear after the conjugated verb.

Examples of Common Adverbs

Type	German	English	Example (German)	Example (English)
Manner	schnell	quickly	Er läuft schnell.	He runs quickly.
Time	jetzt	now	Ich komme jetzt.	I am coming now.
Place	dort	there	Sie wohnt dort.	She lives there.
Frequency	oft	often	Wir essen oft Pizza.	We often eat pizza.
Degree	sehr	very	Das Buch ist sehr gut.	The book is very good.

German Adverbs vs. Adjectives

Many adverbs in German have the same form as their adjective counterparts when the adjective is in its base form:

Adjective (base): schnell (fast)
Adverb: schnell (fast)

However:

Adjectives change endings depending on gender, number, and case (der schnelle Hund),
Adverbs remain unchanged (Er läuft schnell).

How do German adverbs differ from adjectives in form?

Adverbs have special endings

Adverbs do not change endings

German adverbs look like base adjectives but do not change endings.

Exercise

Match each German adverb with its correct English meaning:

Jetzt
Oft
Schnell
Dort
Sehr

a. There

b. Now

c. Very

d. Often

e. Quickly

Frequency Adverbs | Manner Adverbs