A1 German Word Order: Verb in Position Two

German main clauses

In a simple German statement, the conjugated verb normally appears in position two. Position means a sentence element, not always a single word.

Ich lerne heute Deutsch.
Heute lerne ich Deutsch.

Both sentences are correct. In the second sentence, heute occupies position one, so the subject moves behind the verb.

The basic pattern

• Subject first: Wir wohnen in Berlin.
• Time first: Am Montag arbeitet Paul zu Hause.
• Place first: In Berlin wohnt meine Schwester.

Questions

In a yes/no question, the verb comes first: Kommst du aus Deutschland? With a question word, the question word is first and the verb is second: Wo wohnst du?

Remember

Keep the conjugated verb in position two in statements. If another element moves to the beginning, the subject usually moves after the verb.