German grammar by topic › German word order, explained

German word order, explained

German word order follows a few firm rules. In a main clause the conjugated verb is always the second element, whatever comes first. In a clause with weil, dass or wenn, it moves to the very end.

Other verb parts (an infinitive, a participle, a separable prefix) go to the end of the main clause, and the two parts frame the sentence like a bracket: Ich rufe dich morgen an.

The essentials

The verb comes second: Heute gehe ich ins Kino, not Heute ich gehe ins Kino.
Yes/no questions start with the verb: Kommst du mit?
Infinitives and participles go to the end: Ich muss heute arbeiten. Ich habe gut geschlafen.
In subordinate clauses the conjugated verb goes last: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
After the verb, time usually comes before manner and place: Ich fahre morgen mit dem Zug nach Berlin.

Every lesson on this topic

Each lesson has a full explanation, examples you can listen to, and exercises with answers.

A0 (the A0 course)

The verb comes second: In a German statement the verb is always in position 2
Yes/no questions; ja, nein and doch: Put the verb first to ask; answer ja, nein or doch

A1 (the A1 course)

Separable verbs: anrufen, aufstehen: Ich rufe dich an: the prefix of a separable verb goes to the end.
Time first: Heute gehe ich …: Start with a time or place and the verb still comes second, so the subject moves after it.
Where nicht goes: nicht mehr, noch nicht, nie: The position of nicht, and not any more, not yet, no more and never

A2 (the A2 course)

weil and dass: the verb goes to the end: Giving reasons and saying what you think with subordinate clauses

B1 (the B1 course)

Word order in the middle: time, reason, manner, place: Put adverbials and objects in a natural order between the two parts of the verb.

C1 (the C1 course)

Fronting and the end field: word order for emphasis: Using the first position for contrast and cohesion, and placing comparisons, clauses and afterthoughts after the verb bracket.

In the app, these lessons are taught one idea at a time with audio, practised with questions that explain the rule when you slip, and brought back for review on later days.

Learn it in the app, free Find your level