German Sentence Structure Rules

Understanding German sentence structure is key for mastering the language in AP German. These rules, from word order in main clauses to the placement of verbs in subordinate clauses, help create clear and effective communication.

1. Word order in main clauses (Subject-Verb-Object)

   • The typical structure is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
   • The subject usually comes first, followed by the conjugated verb and then the object.
   • Example: "Ich (S) esse (V) einen Apfel (O)."

2. Verb position in subordinate clauses

   • The finite verb is placed at the end of the clause.
   • Subordinate clauses often begin with a conjunction (e.g., "weil," "dass").
   • Example: "Ich weiß, dass du kommst."

3. Time-Manner-Place rule for adverbials

   • Adverbials should be ordered as Time, Manner, and Place.
   • This helps clarify when, how, and where an action takes place.
   • Example: "Ich gehe morgen (Time) schnell (Manner) nach Hause (Place)."

4. Position of the finite verb in second place

   • In main clauses, the finite verb must always be in the second position.
   • This rule applies regardless of what comes first (subject, adverbial, etc.).
   • Example: "Morgen (1) gehe (2) ich nach Hause."

5. Separable prefix verbs and their placement

   • The prefix separates from the verb in main clauses and moves to the end.
   • In subordinate clauses, the prefix remains attached to the verb.
   • Example: "Ich stehe auf (main clause) vs. dass ich aufstehe (subordinate clause)."

6. Negation placement with "nicht" and "kein"

   • "Nicht" is used to negate verbs, adjectives, or adverbials and is placed before the word it negates.
   • "Kein" negates nouns and is placed before the noun it modifies.
   • Example: "Ich sehe nicht (verb) den Film (noun)."

7. Position of reflexive pronouns

   • Reflexive pronouns usually follow the verb in main clauses.
   • In subordinate clauses, they also follow the finite verb.
   • Example: "Ich wasche mich (main clause) vs. dass ich mich wasche (subordinate clause)."

8. Word order with modal verbs

   • The modal verb takes the second position in main clauses, while the main verb goes to the end.
   • In subordinate clauses, the modal verb is also placed at the end.
   • Example: "Ich kann (modal) schwimmen (main verb)."

9. Placement of conjunctions and their effect on word order

   • Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., "und," "oder") do not change the word order.
   • Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., "weil," "dass") push the finite verb to the end of the clause.
   • Example: "Ich gehe, weil ich müde bin."

10. Inversion in questions and conditional sentences

    • In questions, the verb comes first, followed by the subject.
    • In conditional sentences, the structure may change based on the conjunction used.
    • Example: "Geht er (V) nach Hause (S)?" and "Wenn ich Zeit habe, komme ich."