German sentence structure determines how words and phrases are organized to convey meaning. It follows specific rules, especially regarding verb placement, that change depending on the type of sentence.
Rules
The basic rule is that the verb takes the second position (V2) in main clauses, while in subordinate clauses, the verb goes to the end. German uses cases to indicate grammatical roles, allowing for flexible word order, but the verb position rules are strict.
- In main clauses, the finite verb is in the second position.
- The first position can be the subject, an object, or an adverbial phrase for emphasis.
- In subordinate clauses (introduced by words like dass, weil), the finite verb moves to the end.
- Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs combine with the main verb, which appears in the infinitive or past participle form at the end.
- Time expressions usually come before place expressions in the sentence.
Examples
Here are some examples illustrating these rules.
Main clause (simple statement):
- Ich (subject) lese (verb) heute (time) ein Buch (object).
- I read a book today.
Main clause (object first):
- Ein Buch (object) lese (verb) ich (subject) heute (time).
- I read a book today.
Main clause (with conjunction und):
- Ich lese ein Buch und höre Musik.
- I read a book and listen to music.
Subordinate clause (dass clause):
- Ich glaube, dass du Recht hast.
- I believe that you are right.
Subordinate clause (weil causal clause):
- Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.
- I am staying home because it is raining.
Question (verb-second inversion):
- Wann kommst du?
- When are you coming?
Yes/no question (verb-first):
- Kommst du heute?
- Are you coming today?
Modal verb:
- Ich möchte ins Kino gehen.
- I would like to go to the cinema.
Perfect tense with auxiliary:
- Ich habe das Buch gelesen.
- I have read the book.
Future tense with werden:
- Ich werde morgen lernen.
- I will study tomorrow.
What is the correct order in the second clause? Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ___ ___ regnet.
- es
- regnet
In the subordinate clause 'weil es regnet,' 'es' is the subject, and 'regnet' is the finite verb placed at the end.
Fill in the blank: Kommst du ___?
heute
'Heute' means 'today' and fits the context of the yes/no question, which has the verb in first position.
Word Order Summary
| Sentence Type | Example | German Word Order Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Main Clause | Ich lese heute ein Buch. | Verb is 2nd; subject or other element can be 1st |
| Subordinate Clause | ...dass ich ein Buch lese. | Verb goes to the end |
| Modal Verb | Ich möchte gehen. | Modal is 2nd; main verb at end |
| Perfect Tense | Ich habe gelesen. | Auxiliary is 2nd; past participle at end |
| Future Tense | Ich werde gehen. | werden* is 2nd; main verb at end |
| Time/Place Order | Ich gehe heute nach Berlin. | Time before place |
What auxiliary verb is used to form future tense in German?
werden
The auxiliary verb ‘werden’ is used to form future tense and takes the finite verb position.
Conclusion
German sentence structure is predictable once you know the key rule: the verb is always second in main clauses and at the end in subordinate clauses. Word order can be used for emphasis, but verb position is fixed.
- The verb must be in the second position in main clauses.
- Subordinate clauses send the verb to the end.
- Subjects, objects, and adverbs can move to the first position for emphasis.
- Time expressions usually come before place expressions.
- Auxiliary and modal verbs affect the placement of the main verb.
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Sentence Type: Main Clause
- Example: Ich lese heute ein Buch.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
