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Word order in standard constructions

Verb position

Every regular declaratory sentence has the verb in second position. If the verb consists of several parts (e.g. modal verb and infinitive; auxiliary verb and perfect participle; or separable-prefix verb and prefix) the rest of the verb is in the last position. Examples:

Sentence element in first position

Usually, sentences begin with the subject. But they can also begin with adverbs, adverbial phrases, or objects. These first elements are always followed by the conjugated part of the verb. Example sentences:

Position Zero

The coordinating conjunctions (words that connect two or more sentences) und, aber, oder, sondern,denn take the so-called position zero in a sentence. This means that they have no influence on the word order.

Word order in questions and imperatives

The word order in questions is similar to the word order in questions in English. If the question starts with a question word, the question word is followed by the verb. Example sentences:

If the question can be answered with either yes or no, it starts with the verb:

See also: