A1 Grammar Guide

German Word Order (Satzstruktur)

German has strict rules about where the verb goes. Once you understand the pattern, it becomes second nature.

Rule 1 — The Verb is ALWAYS in Position 2

Pos. 1

Subject or time

anything

Pos. 2 ⚡

VERB

always here!

Middle

subject / objects

other parts

End

2nd verb

infinitive / past participle

Ich lerne jeden Tag Deutsch.

I learn German every day. — normal order

Jeden Tag lerne ich Deutsch.

Every day I learn German. — "jeden Tag" moved to pos.1, verb stays at pos.2

Rule 2 — Modal + Infinitive → Verb Stays at End

Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen.

I can speak German well. — kann at pos.2, infinitive at end

Amina muss morgen arbeiten.

Amina must work tomorrow. — same pattern

Rule 3 — Subordinate Clause (weil, dass, wenn…) → Verb at End

Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich nach Deutschland gehen möchte.

I learn German because I want to go to Germany. — after weil, verb goes to end

💡 Key conjunctions that send the verb to the end: weil (because), dass (that), wenn (when/if), obwohl (although), damit (so that), bevor (before)

✏️ Quick Check

Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich nach Deutschland gehen ___. (modal at the end?)

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