Word Order
Spoken Description
Lerne die Wortstellung in deutschen Sätzen. Dieser Leitfaden deckt die Position von Subjekt, Verb und Objekt, die Bedeutung von Zeit- und Adverbplatzierungen sowie typische Wortstellungsfehler ab, um das Schreiben und Sprechen zu verbessern.
Learn German word order. This guide covers the position of subjects, verbs, and objects, as well as time and adverb placements and common word order mistakes to help you write and speak more accurately.
-:- / -:-
Word order in German is governed by clear rules that signal what is important. This guide covers the main patterns for normal sentences, questions, and subordinate clauses.
Overview
German sentences follow a logical order where the verb holds a fixed position and other elements move to highlight emphasis. The basic rules depend on whether the sentence is declarative, interrogative, or complex.
Main Clauses
In main clauses the finite verb consistently takes the second position, and the first slot can be the subject, an adverb, or another element for emphasis. This predictable pattern helps listeners know when the action will come.
Examples
Time-Manner-Place
Adverbials generally follow the order time → manner → place, so sentences feel natural when details are given in that sequence. Deviating from this order can signal emphasis or cause slight awkwardness.
Questions
Yes/no questions put the verb first, while W-questions start with the question word followed by the verb. The rest of the sentence then follows normal order. This makes it clear what kind of information is being requested.
Yes/No Questions
W-Questions
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions like weil, dass, or wenn send the finite verb to the end, and the preceding elements stay in their relative order. This signals that the clause is dependent and bundles information tightly.
Examples
Infinitive and Participle
In sentences with modal verbs, double infinitives, or perfect tense, non-finite verbs cluster at the end. The finite verb stays in its main position, while infinitives and participles line up behind. This keeps the sentence frame intact.
Examples
Summary
German word order relies on the verb's position and predictable placement of adverbials so that each element signals its role. Main clauses keep the finite verb second, questions move it to the front, and subordinate clauses push it to the end. Time-Manner-Place provides a useful order for details.
Further Reading
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