Word Order
Word order in German shapes meaning and emphasis, so learning its patterns helps you communicate clearly and naturally.
Basic Word Order
The basic German sentence follows the Subject-Verb-Object pattern in main clauses, with the conjugated verb in second position.
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Time-Manner-Place
Adverbials typically follow a Time-Manner-Place sequence, so describe when something happens first, then how, and finally where.
| German Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 ✈️ 🏨 Ich fliege heute Morgen mit dem Zug nach Berlin. | I am flying to Berlin this morning by train. | Time-Manner-Place order |
| 🕢 🚗 🌆 Wir sind gestern Abend mit dem Auto in die Stadt gefahren. | We drove to the city by car last night. | Time first, then manner, then place |
| 🌅 🚶♂️ 🌳 Morgens gehe ich gern im Park spazieren. | In the morning, I like to go for a walk in the park. | Time at the front for emphasis |
| 🚌 🗼 Nach der Arbeit fahre ich mit dem Bus zum Fernsehturm. | After work, I take the bus to the TV tower. | Manner and place after time phrase |
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Questions
In yes/no questions the verb comes first; in W-questions the question word leads and the verb follows immediately.
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Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions push the verb to the end, and they nest within main clauses to add detail.
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Separabile Verbs
Separable verbs split so the prefix moves to the sentence end in main clauses, while the verb stays together in subordinate clauses.
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Double Negatives
Double negatives are avoided in German; use one negation like nicht or kein to keep the sentence clear and natural.
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Emphasis
Fronting an element brings emphasis and triggers the verb to remain in second position, so you can highlight time, place, or a particular detail.
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Summary
German word order relies on verb position, adverbial sequence, and clause type; practicing these patterns makes your speech clear and expressive.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025