Word order and verbs

These entries teach you to hear that structure while the sentence is still running. Each one has real sentences, a small table and a listening tip.

If you only have time for one entry, read the one on verb-final clauses. It explains the largest share of the sentences that feel confusing at first.

Entries in this topic

• Why does the German verb move to the end after weil? — In standard written German, a clause introduced by weil normally puts its finite verb at the end. Listen until the clause ends before deciding what the speaker says.
• How do German separable verbs work in speech? — Some German verbs split in a main clause: the conjugated part comes early and the prefix comes later. Wait for the prefix before you settle on the full verb meaning.
• Where does the second verb go with a German modal? — In a main clause, a conjugated modal verb normally appears in second position and the main verb's infinitive comes at the end. The modal changes the meaning: for example, können expresses ability or possibility, and müssen expresses necessity.
• Which German past tense will I hear in conversation? — In much everyday conversation, speakers often use the perfect tense for completed past events. The simple past also occurs in speech, especially with common verbs such as sein, haben and modal verbs; usage varies by region and context.