Wortstellung in Haupt- und Nebensätzen grammar in German

Language: German
Level: B2
Unit: Satzglieder und Wortstellung
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Word order in German main (Hauptsätze) and subordinate clauses (Nebensätze) is an important grammar rule. It tells you where to put the verb and other parts of the sentence.

When to use it

Use main clause word order for independent sentences and direct statements. Use subordinate clause word order when you use words like 'weil', 'dass', 'wenn', which connect two ideas.

Key forms

Main clause (Hauptsatz): The verb is in the second position. Example: Ich lese ein Buch.
Subordinate clause (Nebensatz): The verb goes to the end. Example: Ich weiß, dass du müde bist.

Examples

Ich gehe heute ins Kino.

English: I am going to the cinema today.

Er sagt, dass er keine Zeit hat.

English: He says that he has no time.

Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.

English: If it rains, I stay at home.

Sie kann nicht kommen, weil sie krank ist.

English: She can't come because she is sick.

Tips

Always put the conjugated verb in the second position in main clauses.
In subordinate clauses, move the verb to the end.
Pay attention to words like 'weil', 'dass', 'ob', 'wenn'—these start subordinate clauses.