German Word Order | A Complete Guide

German word order follows a set of rules that differ from English, particularly in how verbs, subjects, and objects are arranged. Understanding these patterns is essential for clear and grammatically correct sentences.

Basic Word Order: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)

In main clauses, German typically follows SVO word order, similar to English:

• Ich sehe den Hund. (I see the dog.)
• Er liest ein Buch. (He reads a book.)

However, German has a flexible word order due to its case system. The function of each word is marked by case rather than position, allowing some variations:

• Den Hund sehe ich. (The dog, I see.)
• Ein Buch liest er. (A book, he reads.)

Despite this flexibility, the verb always stays in the second position in main clauses.

Position of the Verb in Different Sentence Types

1. Main Clauses (Verb Second Position)

In most German statements, the conjugated verb must be in the second position:

In the second and third examples, the verb remains in second position even when time or object moves to the front.

2. Yes/No Questions (Verb First Position)

In yes/no questions, the verb moves to the first position:

• Kommst du mit? (Are you coming along?)
• Hast du das Buch gelesen? (Have you read the book?)

3. W-Questions (Question Word + Verb Second)

When using interrogative words (wer, was, wo, warum, wann, etc.), the verb still stays in second position:

• Wo wohnst du? (Where do you live?)
• Warum lernst du Deutsch? (Why are you learning German?)

4. Subordinate Clauses (Verb Final Position)

In subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions like weil, dass, obwohl, the verb moves to the end of the clause:

This rule applies to all verbs in the subordinate clause.

The Position of Time, Manner, and Place (TMP Rule)

German follows a Time-Manner-Place (TMP) structure when using multiple adverbials:

Subject – Verb – Time – Manner – Place

• Ich fahre morgen mit dem Zug nach Berlin.
  (I travel tomorrow by train to Berlin.)

Changing this order sounds unnatural in German.

Word Order with Modal Verbs

When using modal verbs (können, müssen, wollen, etc.), the conjugated modal verb stays in second position, and the main verb appears at the end in the infinitive form:

• Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
• Er will ein Buch lesen. (He wants to read a book.)

In subordinate clauses, the modal verb moves to the very end, after the infinitive:

• Ich glaube, dass er ein Buch lesen will.
  (I believe that he wants to read a book.)

Word Order with Separable Verbs

Separable verbs (abfahren, anrufen, aufstehen) split in main clauses:

• Ich rufe dich an. (I call you.)
• Wir stehen früh auf. (We get up early.)

In subordinate clauses, the verb does not split, and the full verb moves to the end:

• Ich weiß, dass du mich anrufst. (I know that you are calling me.)
• Er sagt, dass wir früh aufstehen. (He says that we get up early.)

Word Order in Imperative Sentences

In commands, the verb comes first:

• Lies das Buch! (Read the book!)
• Geht nach Hause! (Go home!)
• Sei vorsichtig! (Be careful!)

Conclusion

German word order is structured but flexible. The key rules are:

1. Verb is always second in main clauses.
2. Verb is first in yes/no questions and commands.
3. Verb moves to the end in subordinate clauses.
4. Time-Manner-Place (TMP) for adverbials.
5. Modal and separable verbs follow distinct rules.

Mastering these patterns will significantly improve sentence structure and fluency in German.