Basic Main-Clause Word Order
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