German grammar: Hauptsätze

What this grammar point covers

A Hauptsatz is a main clause in German. It is a complete sentence that can stand alone and expresses a full idea.

When to use it

Use a Hauptsatz when you want to make a statement, ask a yes/no question, or give a command in German. Hauptsätze are the basic sentences you use to share information.

Key forms

• The verb is always in the second position: Ich lese ein Buch.
• The subject usually comes first: Der Hund schläft.
• Other parts (like time or place) can come at the beginning, but the verb stays in the second position: Heute gehe ich ins Kino.

Examples

Tips

• Always put the verb in the second position in a Hauptsatz.
• If you start the sentence with something other than the subject (like time or place), the subject comes right after the verb.
• Do not use a comma before a Hauptsatz unless it is part of a longer sentence.

Exceptions and edge cases

• In yes/no questions, the verb comes first: Kommst du heute?
• In commands (imperatives), the verb is also first: Geh nach Hause!