A1 - Beginner
Word Order in German
Wortstellung
German has a V2 (verb-second) rule in main clauses:
The conjugated verb is ALWAYS in the SECOND position:
Position 1: Subject or other element
Position 2: VERB
Position 3+: Other elements
If something other than the subject is in position 1, the subject moves after the verb.
The conjugated verb is ALWAYS in the SECOND position:
Position 1: Subject or other element
Position 2: VERB
Position 3+: Other elements
If something other than the subject is in position 1, the subject moves after the verb.
Examples
Ich lerne Deutsch.
I learn German. (Subject-Verb-Object)
Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
Today I learn German. (Time-Verb-Subject)
Deutsch lerne ich heute.
German I learn today. (Object-Verb-Subject)
Tip:
The verb is always position 2, but what comes in position 1 can vary for emphasis. The subject can move!
The verb is always position 2, but what comes in position 1 can vary for emphasis. The subject can move!