German sentence structure changes depending on what’s emphasized and which conjunctions are used. You can start sentences with time expressions or certain conjunctions, and the verb usually stays in the second position.
Starting with a Time Expression
You can begin a sentence with a time phrase to show when something happens. Just put the time first, then the verb, then the subject.
- Example 1: Am Montag gehe ich in die Schule. — On Monday, I go to school.
- Example 2: Um 8 Uhr beginnt der Unterricht. — Classes start at 8 o’clock.
- Example 3: Nach dem Essen machen wir einen Spaziergang. — After eating, we go for a walk.
(When a subordinate clause comes first, the verb goes to the end of that clause.)
- Example 4: Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich ein Buch. — If I have time, I read a book.
- Example 5: Obwohl es regnet, gehen wir raus. — Although it’s raining, we go outside.
What happens to the verb position if a subordinate clause comes first in the sentence?
The verb goes to the end of the subordinate clause.
In German, when a subordinate clause leads a sentence, its verb moves to the clause’s end, and the main clause verb follows second in the main part.
Conjunctions with Inversion
Certain conjunctions like denn (because) or aber (but) don’t change word order. The verb stays in the usual second position.
- Example 1: Ich kann nicht kommen, denn ich bin müde. — I can’t come because I’m tired.
- Example 2: Wir gehen ins Kino, aber es ist schon spät. — We’re going to the movies, but it’s already late.
Conjunctions like und (and) simply link clauses without affecting verb position.
- Example 3: Ich lese ein Buch und du hörst Musik. — I’m reading a book and you’re listening to music.
More Examples
| Pattern | German Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time expression + … | Heute spiele ich Fußball.* | Today I play soccer.* |
| Subordinate clause + main clause | Weil ich müde bin, gehe ich früh ins Bett.* | Because I’m tired, I go to bed early.* |
| Subject + verb + … | Ich gehe später einkaufen.* | I’m going shopping later.* |
| Main clause + subordinate clause | Ich bleibe zu Hause, obwohl das Wetter schön ist.* | I’m staying home, although the weather is nice.* |
German sentences typically follow a subject-verb-object order, but starting with time expressions or subordinate clauses moves the verb to the second position, and the subject follows. Conjunctions can either maintain this order (denn, aber) or send the verb to the end of the clause (weil, obwohl).
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- Pattern: Time expression + …
- English Example: Today I play soccer.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
