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Die Syntax (German Sentence Structure)

Introduction​

German sentence structure (Syntax) may seem complex at first, but once you understand the basic principles, constructing sentences becomes much easier. This guide covers the main rules of German sentence structure, with examples for various types of sentences.

Let's start with a helpful video overview of German sentence structure:

Key Concepts​

1. Basic Sentence Structure (Main Clauses)​

German main clauses typically follow the SVO pattern: Subject - Verb - Object

German: Ich esse einen Apfel.

English: I eat an apple.

Structure: Ich (S) esse (V) einen Apfel (O)

Important: The verb must always be in the second position in main clauses.

Flexible word order is possible, but the verb remains in the second position:

German: Einen Apfel esse ich.

English: An apple I eat.

Structure: Einen Apfel (O) esse (V) ich (S)

2. Verb Position in Main Clauses​

The conjugated verb always appears in the second position.

German: Heute gehe ich ins Kino.

English: Today I am going to the cinema.

Structure: Heute (Adverb) gehe (Verb) ich (Subject) ins Kino (Object)

3. Subordinate Clauses​

In subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause.

Structure: Conjunction + Subject + Object + Verb

German: Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.

English: I stay at home because I am sick.

Structure: weil (Conj.) ich (S) krank (O) bin (V)

4. Questions​

  1. Yes/No Questions: Verb first, then subject

German: Gehst du morgen zur Arbeit?

English: Are you going to work tomorrow?

Structure: Gehst (V) du (S) morgen zur Arbeit (O)?

  1. W-Questions: Question word, verb, then subject

German: Wann gehst du zur Arbeit?

English: When are you going to work?

Structure: Wann (Q-word) gehst (V) du (S) zur Arbeit (O)?

5. Commands (Imperatives)​

The verb comes first, often omitting the subject.

German: Geh nach Hause!

English: Go home!

Structure: Geh (V) nach Hause (O)!

6. Time-Manner-Place Rule (TMP)​

When using adverbs, follow the order: Time - Manner - Place

German: Ich gehe heute mit dem Bus nach Berlin.

English: I go to Berlin today by bus.

Structure: Ich (S) gehe (V) heute (Time) mit dem Bus (Manner) nach Berlin (Place)

7. Negation​

Use "nicht" (not) or "kein" (no/none) for negation.

German: Ich gehe nicht ins Kino.

English: I am not going to the cinema.

Structure: Ich (S) gehe (V) nicht (Neg) ins Kino (O)

German: Ich habe keine Zeit.

English: I have no time.

Structure: Ich (S) habe (V) keine (Neg) Zeit (O)

Interactive Practice​

Let's practice forming German sentences with this interactive exercise:

Build a German Sentence

Practice Exercises​

  1. Create a main clause using SVO structure.
  2. Transform a main clause into a subordinate clause using "weil" (because).
  3. Form a yes/no question and a w-question about your daily routine.
  4. Write a sentence following the Time-Manner-Place rule.
  5. Negate the following sentence: "Ich habe einen Hund." (I have a dog.)

Additional Resources​

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Next Steps​

After mastering basic sentence structure, move on to Personalpronomen (Personal Pronouns) to learn how to use pronouns correctly in your sentences. Remember, practice is key to internalizing these structures. Try to form German sentences regularly in your daily life!