Grammar: Word Order

1. Understanding Word Order

In the German language, the word order is flexible, but there are certain basic rules to follow.
The standard word order in German is Subject - Verb - Object (SVO), like in English. For example, “Ich lese das Buch” follows this rule.
However, German sentences often start with circumstantial qualifiers, such as time, manner, place. For instance, “Morgens trinke ich Kaffee” (In the morning, I drink coffee).
One important rule is the verb-second rule, which means the conjugated verb is always in the second position in the sentence.

2. Position of the Verb

In declarative sentences (statements), the verb usually goes second.
In interrogative sentences (questions), the verb usually goes first, unless a question word like “wer”, “wo”, “wann” precedes it.
In subordinate clauses, the verb goes at the end of the clause. Subordinate clauses often start with a conjunction like “weil” (because), “dass” (that), “wenn” (if).

3. Position of the Subject

While the subject usually comes before the verb in the main clause, it can come after the verb in questions, such as in “Bist du Tim?” (Are you Tim?).
When there’s something other than the subject at the beginning of the sentence, the subject follows the conjugated verb, as in “Gestern kauften meine Eltern ein neues Auto” (Yesterday my parents bought a new car).

4. Position of Time, Manner, and Place Elements

When explaining events, the German word order tends to be time - manner - place (TMP). For example, “Ich gehe am Montag mit dem Zug nach Berlin” (I am going to Berlin by train on Monday).
However, if the place is more important, it can come before the time.

5. The Use of Inverted Word Order

Inverted word order can be used for emphasis or stylistic purposes. For example, “Ins Kino geht er jeden Freitag” (To the cinema he goes every Friday).
Remember, even in inversion, the verb remains in the second position.

6. Word Order Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid placing the verb in incorrect positions. It should always be the second idea in the sentence.
Do not mix the order of time, manner, and place elements unless necessary.
Always put the verb at the end of a subordinate clause.
Practice formulating different types of sentences to get a hang of the German word order rules.