German Grammar
German Sentence Structure
Unlike English, German has strict rules about verb placement and word order that change depending on the type of clause. This page provides links to comprehensive guides on all sentence structure topics.
Basic Sentence Structure
The foundation of German sentences with verb-second rule
Using nicht and kein to make negative statements
Yes/no questions and W-questions with proper word order
Small words that add nuance and emotion to sentences
Dependent Clauses
Introduction to subordinate clauses and verb-final position
Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions that connect clauses
Embedded questions with ob and W-words
Clauses with zu + infinitive constructions
Clauses that describe nouns using relative pronouns
Advanced clauses using present or past participles
If-then statements with wenn and conditional forms
Reporting what others said using Konjunktiv I