Ich gehe heute ins Kino.
English: I am going to the cinema today.
- 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
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.
Exceptions and edge cases
- In yes/no questions, the verb comes first.
- In commands, the verb is also first.