Verb position is one of the defining features of German sentence structure. Unlike English, German follows strict rules that determine where the finite verb appears depending on the type of sentence. In main clauses, the verb usually takes the second position, while in subordinate clauses it moves to the end. Understanding verb position is essential for building correct and natural German sentences.
In this guide, you will learn:
how verb position works in main clauses and questions
why German follows the verb-second (V2) rule
how verb placement changes in subordinate clauses
common learner mistakes related to verb placement
This guide helps English-speaking learners understand German word order as a rule-based system rather than a flexible stylistic choice.