A1 · GRAMMAR
Sentence structure and questions
In English, the verb usually follows the subject. In German, the conjugated verb is almost always in the 2nd position. This is the golden rule of German. In this lesson, you will learn how to form statements, W-questions ('what/where/where from'), and yes/no questions.
In this lesson
1. Verb in 2nd position
In a statement, the conjugated verb is always in the 2nd position.
Ich lerne heute Deutsch.
I am studying German today.
2. When something else comes first
If time or place is placed at the beginning, the subject goes behind the verb.
Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
Today I am studying German.
3. W-questions
W-word + verb + subject.
Woher kommst du?
Where are you from?
4. Yes / no questions
Verb first, subject behind it.
Kommst du aus der Türkei?
Are you coming from Turkey?
💡 When building a sentence, ask yourself first: Where is the verb? 2nd position in statements and W-questions, 1st position in yes/no questions.