Yes/no questions
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
The verb comes first.
How it works
A yes/no question in German starts with the conjugated verb, followed by the subject and the rest of the sentence. Intonation rises at the end. There is no auxiliary "do" as in English, so Kommst du? (Are you coming?) is the direct translation of the structure, not Do you come?
When to use it
Ask a yes/no question by starting with the verb: "Kommst du heute?" instead of a statement.
Use cases
- Asking for confirmation: Hast du Zeit?
- Making an invitation: Kommst du mit?
- Checking a fact: Ist das richtig?
Examples
- Kommst du morgen? – Are you coming tomorrow?
- Wohnst du hier? – Do you live here?
- Habt ihr Hunger? – Are you hungry?
- Können Sie mir helfen? – Can you help me? (formal)
Common mistake
Keeping the normal statement order and only adding a question mark, which sounds unnatural.
Memory tip
Verb first, subject second, then the rest of the question.