German syntax and sentences overview by Grammar Guide — a comprehensive summary of German word order, clause structure, and sentence types for learners.
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Table of Contents
- Basic Syntax Rules
Basic German syntax rules that explain how word order works, including subject-object-verb placement, time-manner-place order, and how to form questions and use subordinate clauses.
- Main Clauses vs. Subordinate Clauses
A comprehensive overview of main clauses and subordinate clauses in German grammar, including definitions, word order rules, and examples.
- Sentence Structure
A comprehensive overview of German sentence structure, covering basic word order, types of sentences, and key rules for building correct sentences.
- Declarative Sentences
Declarative sentences in German (Aussagesätze) explain how statements are formed with standard word order and end with a period.
- Interrogative Sentences (ja/nein, question words, inversion)
A comprehensive overview of how to form and understand German questions, including yes/no questions, question word questions, and subject-verb inversion.
- Exclamatory Sentences
Exclamatory sentences in German express strong emotions or reactions using special sentence structures and punctuation.
- Negations
An overview of German negation rules, including the use of “nicht” and “kein,” and how to negate sentences and different parts of speech.
- Simple Negations (nicht, kein)
A comprehensive guide to understanding and using the German negation words nicht and kein, including rules, examples, and common usage.
- Double Negatives
Double negatives in German are used to reinforce a negative meaning, which is grammatically correct and more common than in English, where they are typically avoided.
- Relative Clauses
German relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun, using relative pronouns like der, die, das, etc.
- Defining Clauses
Defining clauses are relative clauses that specify which person or thing is meant, using relative pronouns that agree in gender, number, and case.
- Non-defining Clauses
Non-defining clauses (auch: nicht einschränkende Relativsätze) are relative clauses that add extra information to a sentence without limiting or specifying the meaning of the noun. They are set off by commas and use relative pronouns like der, die, das (or welcher, welche, welches).
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
