A1Word Order

German Word Order Basics

German word order follows specific rules. The verb is always in second position in main clauses, and time-manner-place (TMP) order applies to adverbs.

Key Rules

  1. 1Verb in second position in statements
  2. 2Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) is the basic structure
  3. 3Time expressions often come first, pushing subject after verb
  4. 4Time-Manner-Place (TMP) order for adverbs

Examples

Ich lerne Deutsch.

I learn German.

Basic SVO order: Subject (Ich) - Verb (lerne) - Object (Deutsch).

Heute lerne ich Deutsch.

Today I learn German.

Time (Heute) first, verb (lerne) still second, subject (ich) moves to third.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Heute ich lerne Deutsch.Heute lerne ich Deutsch.

When time comes first, verb must still be in second position.

Related Grammar Topics

Word Order

German Subordinate Clauses (Nebensätze)
B1
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