Main clause (Aussagesatz)

Position 1: one element (subject, time, object, …)
Position 2: finite verb
End: other verbs / infinitives / participles

• Heute gehe ich ins Kino.
• Ins Kino gehe ich heute.

Yes/no questions

Verb first: Gehst du mit?

Practical Examples

1. Ich komme aus Deutschland.

• I come from Germany.
• Tip: The conjugated verb always takes the second position in a simple statement.

1. Heute habe ich viel zu tun.

• Today I have a lot to do.
• Tip: When a time expression (like "Heute") starts the sentence, the verb still comes second, followed by the subject.

1. Woher kommst du?

• Where do you come from?
• Tip: In a question starting with a question word (W-word), the verb immediately follows the question word.

1. Bist du müde?

• Are you tired?
• Tip: In a yes/no question, the conjugated verb starts the sentence.

1. Sie spricht Deutsch.

• She speaks German.
• Tip: Standard subject-verb-object order in a simple statement.

1. Einen Kaffee möchte ich bitte.

• I would like a coffee, please.
• Tip: When the object is emphasized and placed at the beginning, the verb remains in the second position, followed by the subject.

1. Wir gehen ins Kino.

• We are going to the cinema.
• Tip: Another example of the verb in the second position in a basic statement.

1. Er arbeitet heute nicht.

• He is not working today.
• Tip: Even with a negation like "nicht", the conjugated verb stays in the second position.

1. Was machst du am Wochenende?

• What are you doing on the weekend?
• Tip: The verb follows the W-word in a question.

1. In Berlin wohne ich.

• I live in Berlin.
• Tip: When a place expression (like "In Berlin") starts the sentence, the verb still comes second, followed by the subject.

1. Ich kann gut schwimmen.

• I can swim well.
• Tip: With modal verbs, the conjugated modal verb takes the second position.

1. Hast du Geschwister?

• Do you have siblings?
• Tip: A yes/no question starts with the conjugated verb.

1. Meine Eltern kommen morgen.

• My parents are coming tomorrow.
• Tip: The verb is in the second position, even when the subject is a longer phrase.

1. Oft lerne ich Deutsch.

• I often learn German.
• Tip: When an adverb of frequency (like "Oft") starts the sentence, the verb remains in the second position.

1. Wir essen gern Pizza.

• We like to eat pizza.
• Tip: The verb is in the second position in this common expression of preference.