Grammar · A1 · Wortstellung
Word order: verb second
In main clauses the conjugated verb is second. Time/place can go first — then the verb still comes next: Heute fahre ich. Not *Heute ich fahre*.
Bridges
EN verb-second (V2)
PT verbo em segundo lugar
ES verbo en segunda posición
FR verbe en deuxième position
Forms: V2 rule
.
Subject first — verb still second.
.
Time first — verb still second.
.
Place first — verb still second.
.
Connector first — verb still second.
1 · ·
Exactly one unit before the conjugated verb
Forms: What can sit in slot 1
/ /
time words
/ /
place
/ /
linking adverbs
8 …
whole phrase can fill slot 1
Examples
.
Today I'm going to Mitte.
.
Tomorrow I'm going home.
.
I'm waiting for you here.
.
That's why I'm changing trains.
.
At ten I have an appointment.
.
I get off in Neukölln.
.
Now the train is coming.
Common mistakes
- *Heute ich fahre* — verb must be second, not third.
- Putting two ideas before the verb (*Heute in Berlin fahre ich* is ok as one unit; *Heute ich in Berlin fahre* is not).
- Applying V2 inside weil/dass clauses — those send the verb last.
- English subject-verb habit when time comes first.
When you use it in Berlin
Time-first plans and announcements: Heute fährt die U8… Morgen gehe ich zum Amt. Deshalb warte ich hier.
Quick check
1/1
Which is correct?
Tap the best answer