Word order: statements and questions
The conjugated verb is always in position 2 of a statement. Questions follow two patterns.
In this lesson you will
- Put the conjugated verb in position 2
- Start a sentence with a time expression and invert subject and verb
- Form W-questions and yes/no questions
The verb is in position 2
In a German statement the conjugated verb always takes position 2. Position 1 can be the subject, but also a time or place expression. If something else is in position 1, the subject moves behind the verb.
| Position 1 | Position 2 (verb) | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | lerne | heute Deutsch. |
| Heute | lerne | ich Deutsch. |
| In Berlin | wohnt | meine Schwester. |
Two kinds of questions
W-questions start with a question word („Wer, Was, Wo, Woher, Wohin, Wann, Wie, Warum“); the verb follows in position 2: „Wo wohnst du?“
Yes/no questions start with the verb: „Wohnst du in Berlin?“ The answer starts with „Ja“, „Nein“ or – after a negative question – „Doch“.
Examples
Am Montag habe ich einen Deutschkurs.
On Monday I have a German class.
Woher kommst du? – Ich komme aus Ghana.
Where are you from? – I'm from Ghana.
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
Hast du keine Zeit? – Doch, ich habe Zeit.
Don't you have time? – Yes, I do.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Heute ich lerne Deutsch.
Correct: Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
The verb must stay in position 2.
Wrong: Wo du wohnst?
Correct: Wo wohnst du?
In W-questions the verb comes directly after the question word.
Practise this lesson
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3 questions on this lesson's topic. You get feedback after each answer and a review at the end.