4.3 Word Order

Verb-second rule

In a German main clause, the conjugated verb is always in second position. If something other than the subject comes first, the subject follows the verb: 'Heute spiele ich Fußball.'

Time-Manner-Place

Adverbs follow the order Time – Manner – Place (TeKaMoLo): 'Ich fahre morgen (time) mit dem Bus (manner) in die Stadt (place).'

Subordinate clauses

In a subordinate clause (after weil, dass, wenn...), the conjugated verb goes to the end: 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.'

Key terms

Verb-second rule

conjugated verb is in position 2 in main clauses

Inversion

if X comes first, subject follows verb: Heute spiele ich...

TeKaMoLo

adverb order: Time – Manner – Place

Subordinate clause

verb goes to the end (weil ich krank bin)

Conjunctions

weil, dass, wenn, ob send the verb to the end

Try an AP-style question

In a German main clause, the conjugated verb is in…

1. the last position
2. the first position
3. any position
4. the second position