Sentence structure of main clauses in German
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A main clause can stand alone as a full sentence. A main clause contains at least a subject, a verb and an object. The four cases are the reasons why we can identify the different role (subject or object position) of pronouns or nouns. Further, the German cases lead to a various range of ordering the parts of a sentence. This is important, if we are writing texts.
For example:
- Der Lehrer fragt den Schüler. - The teacher asks the student.
- Den Schüler fragt der Lehrer. - The student is asked by the teacher.
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.The basic rules of sentence structure
- 1.1.Regular word order with Subject and Verb
- 1.2.Word order of compound tenses and separable prefixes
- 2.Different types of objects
- 3.Exercises
- 3.1.Exercise of rewriting German main clauses
- 3.2.Exercise of forming a sentence
- 3.3.Exercise of the German sentence structure.
- 3.4.Exercise: Create a German main clause!
The basic rules of sentence structure
There are two different ways of forming the sentence structure. The first is for basic sentences, the other for compound tenses and sentences with separable prefixes.
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Regular word order with Subject and Verb
The regular word order used in basic sentences in German is as follows.
| subject | conjugated verb (finite verb) | object |
|---|---|---|
Der Mann (The man) | ist (is) | unser Professor (our professor) |
Word order of compound tenses and separable prefixes
- The finite verb is always second in a sentence.
- The infinite verb is always at the end of a sentence (could be a infinitive, past participle, prefix)
| type of the first position | first position in the sentence | finite verb | subject | indirect object | time | place | direct object | infinite verb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| subject | Der Lehrer | hat | dem Schüler | heute | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
| indirect object | Dem Schüler | hat | der Lehrer | heute | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
| time | Heute | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
| place | Im Unterricht | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | heute | eine Frage | gestellt | |
| direct object | Eine Frage | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | heute | im Unterricht | gestellt |
If the direct object is a pronoun, it is places before the indirect object:
sie (die Frage):
Der Lehrer hat sie dem Schüler heute im Unterricht gestellt.
Different types of objects
There are different types of objects in German.
| Example | category of object |
|---|---|
Maria wirft den Apfel. (Maria throws the apple) | accusative object (Wen/was?) |
Der Apfel gehört ihr. (The apple belongs to her) | dative object (Wem?) |
Der Apfel ist ihrer. (The apple is hers) | genitive object (Wessen?) |
Sie denkt an ihn. (She thinks of him) | prepositional object |
Exercises
- Exercise of rewriting German main clauses
- Exercise of forming a sentence
- Exercise of the German sentence structure.
- Exercise: Create a German main clause!
Exercise of rewriting German main clauses
Exercise of forming a sentence
Exercise of the German sentence structure.
Exercise: Create a German main clause!
Exercises
- Exercise of rewriting German main clauses
- Exercise of forming a sentence
- Exercise of the German sentence structure.
- Exercise: Create a German main clause!
Exercise of rewriting German main clauses
Exercise of forming a sentence
Exercise of the German sentence structure.
Exercise: Create a German main clause!
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Since I learn languages myself, I know the difficulties and hurdles that can arise when learning a foreign language. I take away your fear of using the German language, because the best way to learn a language is to speak it!
You want to take a telc or Goethe exam? I will help you! I teach from level B1 to C2. In the course of my teaching I have specialised in students and adult learners from the age of 19 who want to take one of these exams for professional or private reasons.
If you only want to prepare orally for an exam with me, I offer conversation lessons where I give you strategies and tips on how to pass the exam. You will do a lot of speaking and learn the phrases that are most important for the exam at your level.
I'll also show you how to integrate German into your everyday life, recommend podcasts, books and series to expand your vocabulary.
Are you looking for a job and need help with your application? No problem, I give you application training, revise your CV with you and write applications together with you. I will also prepare you for your job interviews.
Don't be shy and write to me before you book a trial lesson. Together we will work out a syllabus that is tailored to your needs and goals. We will learn what is important for you at this stage and where I see room for improvement. I adapt each lesson individually to you.
Due to my eight-year stay abroad in Ireland, I have a very good knowledge of English and can also explain something to you in English or Spanish, but in my lessons we almost only speak German together.
What can you expect in my lessons?
- Creative and professional preparation for telc or Goethe from B1 level upwards
- Conversation classes
- Language lessons individually adapted to your needs, each lesson is prepared for you individually
- Application training and help with application letters, revision of your CV
- Grammar explanations that YOU just need.
- Quizzes, puzzles, worksheets, books, conversation topics and much more. Learning should be fun!
The most important thing is that you invest a little time and feel like learning with me. In return, you should also do the homework so that we can make good progress. I will be happy to correct it. Let me inspire you!
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