Understanding German word order is key to building clear, correct sentences in German. Whether you’re forming basic statements or complex ideas, knowing how word order changes between main and subordinate clauses will help you sound more natural and fluent. In this guide, we’ll explain it all simply and with plenty of real examples.
Understanding German Sentence Word Order
Understanding German word order is essential for building correct and natural sentences. Unlike English, German has strict rules depending on sentence type. Word order tells us who does what, when, and how.
How Word Order Works in Main Clauses
In main clauses, the conjugated verb always comes in the second position:
- Ich esse einen Apfel. (I eat an apple.)
- Morgen fahre ich nach Berlin. (Tomorrow I go to Berlin.)
Here, the subject or another element (like a time phrase) can come first, but the verb remains second.
What Changes in Subordinate Clauses?
In subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb moves to the end:
- Ich weiß, dass er einen Apfel isst. (I know that he is eating an apple.)
- Wenn ich Zeit habe, gehe ich spazieren. (When I have time, I go for a walk.)
Key Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Impact
| German | Meaning |
|---|---|
| dass | that |
| weil | because |
| wenn | if/when |
| ob | whether |
| damit | so that |
All these conjunctions force the verb to the end of the clause.
Side-by-Side Examples: Main vs Subordinate Clauses
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|
| Ich gehe ins Kino. | weil ich einen Film sehen will. |
| Wir bleiben zu Hause. | wenn es regnet. |
Combined example: Wir bleiben zu Hause, wenn es regnet. (We stay at home when it rains.)
Rules and Patterns You Should Remember
- Main clause: Verb in second position.
- Subordinate clause: Verb at the end.
- Subordinating conjunctions change word order.
Practice Exercises: Build Sentences with Confidence
Combine these:
- Ich lerne Deutsch. / weil ich in Deutschland arbeite.
- Sie geht ins Bett. / wenn sie müde ist.
Answers:
Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland arbeite.
Sie geht ins Bett, wenn sie müde ist.
Common Mistakes with German Word Order and How to Fix Them
- ❌ Ich weiß dass er kommt schnell.
✔️ Ich weiß, dass er schnell kommt. - ❌ Wenn regnet es, bleibe ich zu Hause.
✔️ Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.
Why German Word Order Is Important for Learners
Understanding German word order helps learners speak clearly and be understood. It also helps with comprehension when listening or reading.
How to Use Time-Manner-Place (TMP) in German Sentences
The typical order is: Time – Manner – Place
- Ich gehe heute mit dem Bus zur Arbeit.
(I go to work today by bus.) - Sie arbeitet jeden Tag fleißig im Büro.
(She works diligently every day in the office.)
Word Order with Modal Verbs and Separable Prefix Verbs
Modal verbs push the second verb to the end in the infinitive form:
- Ich muss heute arbeiten. (I must work today.)
Separable verbs: prefix goes to the end in main clauses:
- Er steht früh auf. (He gets up early.)
In subordinate clauses, the prefix remains attached:
- …, weil er früh aufsteht. (…because he gets up early.)
Summary: Mastering Word Order in German Grammar
- Main clause = verb second.
- Subordinate clause = verb at the end.
- TMP = Time – Manner – Place.
- Modal/separable verbs change position based on clause type.
Conclusion: Build Clear Sentences with German Word Order Rules
With enough practice, German word order becomes second nature. Keep studying sentence patterns, try the exercises, and you’ll soon master German word order in both main and subordinate clauses.