C2grammar
C2 German Grammar: Information Structure and Emphasis
Control German word order, foregrounding and emphasis to shape information flow in complex texts.
Explanation
Read first, then practiseInformationsstruktur und Hervorhebung
German word order is not arbitrary: the prefield frames the sentence, while the middle field often moves from known to new information. Marked placement can create contrast: Nicht den Inhalt, sondern die Darstellung kritisierte sie.
Cleft-like structures, left dislocation and passive alternatives allow writers to foreground specific elements. These devices must remain compatible with the verbal bracket and the intended scope of negation.
Exercise 1
Complete questions 1–5.
1
Choose the sentence that emphasises the object contrast.
2
Choose the correct marked prefield.
3
Select the correct left-dislocation structure.
4
Emphasise the time restriction correctly.
5
Choose the sentence with narrow negation of the cause.
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