Verb position in statements
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
The conjugated verb is always in second position.
How it works
In a German main clause the conjugated verb is always the second element. The first element can be the subject, a time phrase, an object or an adverb; the verb still comes second. Everything after the verb is the rest of the sentence. This rule is the foundation of German sentence structure and applies to nearly every statement you will make.
When to use it
Put the conjugated verb in second position in every main clause, which is the most important rule in German word order.
Use cases
- Starting a sentence with a time phrase: Heute gehe ich ins Kino
- Emphasising an object: Das Buch lese ich gerade
- Opening with an adverb: Leider regnet es
Examples
- Heute gehe ich ins Kino – Today I go to the cinema
- Morgen fahren wir nach Hamburg. – Tomorrow we are driving to Hamburg.
- Im Sommer schwimme ich gern. – In summer I like swimming.
- Dann kaufe ich das Brot. – Then I buy the bread.
Common mistake
Putting the verb at the end of a main clause, as English speakers often do with "Heute ich gehe".
Memory tip
Count the parts: the first element (subject or time phrase) comes first, then the verb, and everything else follows.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.