In German, as in English, sentences are categorized by their purpose into three main types: declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory. Each type has its own structure and function in communication.
- Declarative sentences provide information or state facts and are the most common sentence type.
- Interrogative sentences ask questions and are essential for gaining information.
- Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions or reactions.
Understanding these sentence types helps learners recognize and use German more effectively in various contexts.
- Start: A1
- Topics: Declarative, Interrogative, Exclamatory
- Related: German Grammar, Syntax
Declarative, Interrogative, and Exclamatory are the three main sentence types.
Declarative sentences state facts or information.
Interrogative sentences ask questions and seek information.
Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion.
Declarative Sentences
A declarative sentence (Aussagesatz) states a fact, opinion, or piece of information. It is used for making statements and is the most common type of sentence in German.
- The verb is always the second element in the sentence (V2 word order).
- The subject usually comes before the verb in simple statements.
Examples:
- Ich lerne Deutsch. (I am learning German.)
- Der Hund schläft. (The dog is sleeping.)
Declarative sentences are used for stating facts or opinions.
In declarative sentences, the verb is in the second position.
Interrogative Sentences
An interrogative sentence (Fragesatz) is used to ask a question. There are two main types in German:
- Yes/No questions: The verb moves to the first position.
- Kommst du morgen? (Are you coming tomorrow?)
- W-questions: Start with a question word (wer, was, wann, warum, wie, etc.), and the verb is in the second position.
- Was machst du? (What are you doing?)
In yes/no questions, the verb is in the first position.
For W-questions, the question word is first, and the verb is second.
Exclamatory Sentences
An exclamatory sentence (Ausrufesatz) expresses strong feelings or emotions such as surprise, joy, anger, or frustration. It often uses an exclamation mark (!) at the end.
- The structure can be similar to declarative sentences but with added emphasis.
- Sometimes a special word or phrase is used at the beginning.
Examples:
- Wie schön du singst! (How beautifully you sing!)
- Das ist ja unglaublich! (That is incredible!)
Exclamatory sentences show strong emotion or emphasis.
They are punctuated with an exclamation mark.
Conclusion
Declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences are the foundations of German communication. Mastering their forms and functions allows you to express information, ask questions, and share emotions effectively.
- Declarative: Statements; verb in 2nd position.
- Interrogative: Questions; verb first for yes/no, second for W-questions.
- Exclamatory: Emotions; often end with !.
Exercises
- Write a declarative sentence about your daily routine.
- Form a yes/no question about the weather.
- Create a W-question about someone's hobby.
- Write an exclamatory sentence about how you feel today.