The foundation of German sentence construction is both logical and systematic, making it accessible for learners who grasp its core rules. Basic German sentences typically follow the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, similar to English, in main clauses.
- The subject performs the action.
- The verb expresses the action and is placed in the second position in main clauses.
- The object receives the action.
Example:
Ich (subject) esse (verb) einen Apfel (object).
I eat an apple.
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
I eat an apple
Simple Sentence Examples
Here are some simple German sentences showing the SVO structure:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich trinke Wasser. | I drink water. |
| Du liest ein Buch. | You read a book. |
| Er fährt ein Auto. | He drives a car. |
| Wir hören Musik. | We listen to music. |
| Sie kaufen Brot. | They buy bread. |
Wir hören Musik.
Plural and singular subjects: 'Wir' (we), 'Du' (you singular informal).
Verb Conjugation
Verbs must be conjugated to match the subject:
| Subject | Verb (to eat) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | esse | Ich esse... |
| Du | isst | Du isst... |
| Er/Sie/Es | isst | Er isst... |
| Wir | essen | Wir essen... |
| Ihr | esst | Ihr esst... |
| Sie | essen | Sie essen... |
isst
Sie essen
Conclusion
German basic sentences follow a clear SVO pattern with verb conjugations linked to the subject, making it straightforward to form and understand simple statements.
- German main clauses use a Subject-Verb-Object order.
- Verbs change form depending on the subject.
- Simple sentences often mirror English structure but require attention to verb endings.
Subject - Verb - Object
Sie trinkt Kaffee
Source Material
Author: ThoughtCo
Document: German Sentence Structure – Basic Rules
Date Published: 2024-06