German sentence structure follows specific word order rules that differ from English. In a main clause (Hauptsatz), the verb is always in the second position. The first position can be the subject, an object, or an adverbial phrase. For example:
- Ich gehe heute ins Kino. (I am going to the cinema today.)
- Heute gehe ich ins Kino. (Today I am going to the cinema.)
In subordinate clauses (Nebensatz), introduced by conjunctions like weil (because) or dass (that), the verb moves to the end of the clause:
- Ich glaube, dass er kommt. (I believe that he is coming.)
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin. (I am staying home because I am sick.)
In questions, the verb comes first:
- Kommst du morgen? (Are you coming tomorrow?)
Understanding this word order is key to forming correct and natural German sentences.
A1
A2
B1
Table of Contents
- Declarative Sentences
German declarative sentences, their structure, how they are used to make statements, and how to form them in German grammar.
- Interrogative Sentences (ja/nein, question words, inversion)
Interrogative sentences in German, covering yes/no questions, question words, and word order (inversion).
- Exclamatory Sentences
Exclamatory sentences in German express strong emotions or reactions and often begin with “wie” (how) or “was” (what).
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
