German B1 - Intermediate Grammar, Sentence Structure & Vocabulary

In German main clauses (Hauptsätze), the finite verb always occupies the second position. The first position can be the subject, an adverb, or an object. Example: 'Ich gehe heute ins Kino.' (Subject first) or 'Heute gehe ich ins Kino.' (Adverb first).

In subordinate clauses, the finite verb moves to the very end of the clause. The conjunction (e.g., weil, dass, obwohl) introduces the clause. Example: 'Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland leben möchte.'

Weil introduces a subordinate clause, meaning the finite verb goes to the end. It answers the question 'Warum?' (Why?). Example: 'Er ist müde, weil er gestern lange gearbeitet hat.'

Dass introduces a subordinate clause, placing the finite verb at the end. It's often used after verbs of knowing, believing, saying. Example: 'Ich glaube, dass sie die Prüfung bestehen wird.'

Obwohl introduces a subordinate clause, sending the finite verb to the end. It expresses a contrast or concession. Example: 'Sie geht spazieren, obwohl es regnet ist.'

If an element other than the subject (e.g., a time expression, an adverb, an object) starts a main clause, the subject and the finite verb swap positions (inversion) to maintain the V2 rule. Example: 'Morgen habe ich viel zu tun.' (Not 'Morgen ich habe...').

Konjunktiv II is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, polite requests, unreal conditions, or advice. It translates to 'would' or 'could' in English. Example: 'Ich würde gerne reisen.' (I would like to travel).

For haben: 'hätte' (ich hätte, du hättest, er/sie/es hätte, wir hätten, ihr hättet, sie/Sie hätten). For sein: 'wäre' (ich wäre, du wärest, er/sie/es wäre, wir wären, ihr wäret, sie/Sie wären).