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

  • 1Verb in second position in statements
  • 2Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) is the basic structure
  • 3Time expressions often come first, pushing subject after verb
  • 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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