🇩🇪 German
Deutsch • Latin
Word order: what’s normal (and how to sound natural)
Understand the default word order and a simple strategy to avoid ‘translation‑English’.
The key idea
German is ‘verb-second’ (V2) in main clauses. In subordinate clauses, the verb often goes to the end.
- Memorize patterns (whole sentences), not just single words.
- When you change the meaning, keep the grammar skeleton the same.
- If word order is flexible, use ‘neutral’ order first — emphasis comes later.
Ich bin hier.
I am here.
Ich möchte Wasser.
I would like water.
Ich verstehe nicht.
I don't understand.
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English? (formal)
Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the toilet?
Das ist mein Freund.
This is my friend.
Tiny practice routine
Pick one sentence and create 5 variations. Example: ‘I want water’ → water/coffee/tea/ticket/help.
- Speak each variation out loud.
- Record yourself and compare rhythm.
Mini‑quiz
Mini-quiz
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Typical word order for this language is closest to…