Basic Main-Clause Word Order
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Learn verb-second order and inversion after a time or place phrase in simple German statements.
Explanation
Simple main clauses
In a German statement, the conjugated verb is in position 2. Exactly one constituent comes before it.
- Ich lerne heute Deutsch. — I study German today.
- Mia arbeitet in Berlin. — Mia works in Berlin.
- Wir kaufen am Samstag ein. — We shop on Saturday.
A constituent can contain several words: Am Samstag together occupies position 1.
Inversion
A time or place phrase can come first. The verb stays in position 2 and the subject follows it.
- Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
- In Berlin arbeitet Mia.
- Am Samstag kaufen wir ein.
Compare Ich fahre morgen nach Köln. and Morgen fahre ich nach Köln. Do not say Morgen ich fahre ... Remember: one constituent + verb + subject.
Exercises
- Arrange the words. Put the conjugated verb in position 2. (11)
- Start with the time or place phrase and write the complete sentence. (11)
A1 · German · Grammar