German word order and verb position
In a German main clause, the conjugated verb normally occupies position two. The first element can be the subject, a time phrase, or another constituent. In subordinate clauses introduced by words such as weil or dass, the conjugated verb normally moves to the end.
Useful examples
1
Ich lerne heute Deutsch.
I am learning German today.
2
Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
Today I am learning German.
3
Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich lernen muss.
I stay at home because I have to study.
Common mistakes
- Treating position two as the second word.
- Forcing the subject before the verb in every clause.
- Forgetting verb-final order after weil.
Learn it better
- Think in sentence constituents, not individual words.
- Rewrite one sentence with different first elements.
- Practise main and subordinate clauses as pairs.
Continue learning
Turn grammar into usable language
Read one topic, then apply the structure in JadoLearn practice and lessons.