Satzstruktur — Sentence Structure
German sentences follow Subject-Verb-Object order, just like English. The crucial rule: the VERB is always in second position.
The V2 Rule — Verb Always Second
Normal: Ich lerne Deutsch. (I learn German.)
Time first: Heute lerne ich Deutsch. — verb stays 2nd!
Place first: In Berlin lerne ich Deutsch. — verb stays 2nd.
This is called the Verb-Second (V2) rule — the most fundamental rule of German syntax.
Ichlernejeden TagDeutsch.
ENI learn German every day.
Jeden TaglerneichDeutsch.
ENEvery day I learn German. (verb still 2nd!)
💡 When something other than the subject starts the sentence, subject and verb SWAP. Practise this swap consciously — it becomes automatic within a few weeks.
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