German grammar: Satzklammer

What this grammar point covers

The 'Satzklammer' is a special sentence structure in German. It means 'sentence bracket'. In German, verbs are often split, with one part at the beginning and another part at the end of the sentence.

When to use it

You use the Satzklammer in German when there are two parts of the verb, like with modal verbs, the perfect tense, or separable verbs. The first part comes early (usually the second position), and the second part goes at the end of the sentence.

Key forms

• Present tense with separable verbs: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
• Modal verbs: Ich kann heute nicht kommen.
• Perfect tense: Ich habe das Buch gelesen.
• Futur I: Ich werde morgen arbeiten.

Examples

Tips

• Remember: The first part of the verb is near the beginning, the second part is at the end.
• Do not forget to send the second part of the verb (like 'auf', 'gegangen', 'machen') to the end of the sentence.
• Pay attention to word order when using modal verbs or perfect tense.

Exceptions and edge cases

• In subordinate clauses (with 'dass', 'weil', etc.), both parts of the verb go to the end, not around the sentence.