Main Clauses

Rule: In a main clause, the verb is always in the 2^nd position; it is in 1^st position only in yes/no questions.

Neutral order

• Subject + Verb + Object + Rest

• Examples:

  • Ich esse Pizza heute. (I eat pizza today.)

  • Wir gehen nach Hause. (We go home)

Emphasis on time/place/Object

• Time/Place/Object + Verb + Subject + Rest

• Examples:

  • Heute esse ich Pizza. (Today I eat pizza.)

  • Im München wohne ich. (I live in Munich)

Yes/No questions

• Verb + Subject + Rest

• Examples:

  • Isst du Pizza. (Do you eat pizza?)

  • Bist du fertig? (Are you ready?)

W-questions

• W-word + Verb + Subject + Rest

• Examples:

  • Was isst du heute?. (What do you eat today?)

  • Wo wohnst du? (Where do you live?)