German Sentence Structure Rules

Why This Matters

German word order isn't just a grammar exercise—it's the backbone of how meaning gets communicated in the language. On the AP German exam, you're being tested on your ability to produce and interpret authentic German, which means understanding why the verb lands where it does, how subordinate clauses reshape everything, and what happens when you throw in a modal verb or separable prefix. These patterns show up constantly in the Interpersonal Writing and Presentational Writing tasks, where awkward word order can obscure your meaning and cost you points.

The good news? German sentence structure follows predictable rules. Once you internalize the verb-second principle, the subordinate clause verb-final rule, and the Time-Manner-Place sequence, you'll recognize patterns in reading passages and produce them naturally in your own writing. Don't just memorize where words go—understand why they go there. Each rule below connects to a core structural principle that will help you decode complex sentences and construct your own with confidence.

---

The Verb-Second Principle

The most fundamental rule of German main clauses: the conjugated verb must occupy the second position. This doesn't mean "second word"—it means the second grammatical slot. Whatever fills position one (subject, adverb, object) pushes the verb to slot two.

Word Order in Main Clauses (Subject-Verb-Object)

• SVO is the default pattern—Subject first, then the conjugated verb, then the object: "Ich (S) esse (V) einen Apfel (O)."
• The subject typically leads, but this changes when emphasis shifts to another element
• This baseline structure anchors all other word order variations you'll encounter in German

Position of the Finite Verb in Second Place

• The verb-second rule is non-negotiable—regardless of what occupies position one, the finite verb claims position two
• Fronting an adverbial triggers inversion: "Morgen (1) gehe (2) ich nach Hause"—the subject slides to position three
• This pattern appears constantly in authentic texts and is essential for the reading comprehension section

---

Subordinate Clause Verb Placement

When a subordinating conjunction enters the picture, the conjugated verb gets kicked to the very end of the clause. This is one of the most distinctive features of German syntax and a common source of errors for learners.

Verb Position in Subordinate Clauses

• The finite verb moves to final position after subordinating conjunctions like weil, dass, obwohl, or wenn
• The conjunction itself occupies position one, followed by the subject and other elements: "Ich weiß, dass du kommst."
• Recognizing this pattern helps you parse complex sentences in reading passages and listening sections

Placement of Conjunctions and Their Effect on Word Order

• Coordinating conjunctions (und, oder, aber, denn) leave word order unchanged—the verb stays in second position
• Subordinating conjunctions (weil, dass, wenn, obwohl) send the verb to the end of their clause
• Memorize the conjunction type—this determines whether you're dealing with a main clause structure or subordinate clause structure

---

Complex Verb Constructions

Modal verbs, separable prefixes, and reflexive pronouns add layers to German sentence structure. The key principle: non-finite verb forms (infinitives, participles, separated prefixes) migrate to the end of the clause.

Word Order with Modal Verbs

• The modal verb takes position two in main clauses, while the main verb (infinitive) goes to the end: "Ich kann (modal) schwimmen (infinitive)."
• In subordinate clauses, both verbs cluster at the end, with the modal typically following the infinitive: "...dass ich schwimmen kann."
• Double infinitive constructions with perfect tense (Ich habe schwimmen können) follow the same end-clustering pattern

Separable Prefix Verbs and Their Placement

• In main clauses, the prefix separates and travels to the clause's end: "Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf."
• In subordinate clauses, the prefix stays attached: "...dass ich um sieben Uhr aufstehe."
• Common separable prefixes include auf-, an-, mit-, zu-, ab-—learn to spot them in vocabulary

Position of Reflexive Pronouns

• Reflexive pronouns follow the conjugated verb in main clauses: "Ich wasche mich jeden Morgen."
• In subordinate clauses, the reflexive pronoun follows the subject: "...dass ich mich jeden Morgen wasche."
• Accusative vs. dative reflexives (mich vs. mir) depend on verb requirements—sich freuen (acc.) vs. sich etwas vorstellen (dat.)

---

Adverbial and Negation Placement

German has specific rules for ordering adverbials and placing negation. These rules help you sound natural rather than producing technically correct but awkward sentences.

Time-Manner-Place Rule for Adverbials

• TMP is the standard sequence—Time (wann), Manner (wie), Place (wo): "Ich gehe morgen (T) schnell (M) nach Hause (P)."
• This order creates natural rhythm and helps listeners process information in a logical sequence
• Violating TMP doesn't make a sentence ungrammatical, but it sounds marked or emphatic

Negation Placement with "nicht" and "kein"

• "Nicht" negates verbs, adjectives, and adverbs—it typically precedes what it negates or goes to the end before verb complements
• "Kein" negates nouns and replaces the indefinite article: "Ich habe kein Geld" (not "Ich habe nicht ein Geld")
• Placement affects meaning: "Ich sehe den Film nicht" (I'm not watching the film) vs. "Ich sehe nicht den Film, sondern das Spiel" (contrastive)

---

Question Formation and Conditional Structures

Questions and conditionals manipulate standard word order in predictable ways. Mastering these patterns is essential for the interpersonal tasks where you'll need to ask and respond to questions.

Inversion in Questions and Conditional Sentences

• Yes/no questions front the verb: "Gehst du nach Hause?"—the verb takes position one, subject follows
• W-questions place the question word first, then the verb: "Wann gehst du nach Hause?"
• Conditional "wenn" clauses use verb-final order, and the main clause often begins with the verb: "Wenn ich Zeit habe, komme ich."

---

Quick Reference Table

---

Self-Check Questions

1. How does the position of the conjugated verb differ between a main clause and a subordinate clause introduced by weil?

2. Compare the sentence structure when using a coordinating conjunction (und, aber) versus a subordinating conjunction (dass, obwohl). What stays the same, and what changes?

3. Where does the separable prefix land in "Ich rufe dich morgen an" versus "...dass ich dich morgen anrufe"? Explain the rule.

4. You want to say "I don't have a car" and "I'm not driving today." Which negation word (nicht or kein) do you use in each case, and why?

5. Reorder these elements into a grammatically correct German sentence using the TMP rule: nach Berlin / mit dem Zug / morgen / Ich fahre. Then rewrite it as a yes/no question.