German word order: the verb in second position

The idea

In a simple statement, the conjugated verb occupies the second position. A position can contain more than one word. When a time expression starts the sentence, the subject normally follows the verb.

Examples to say aloud

• Ich lerne heute Deutsch.
  I am learning German today.
• Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
  Today I am learning German.
• Am Montag arbeite ich.
  I work on Monday.

A common mistake

Second position does not mean the second word. Am Montag is one opening time phrase.

Try it yourself

Put in order: Heute / ich / lerne / Deutsch.

Make your attempt, then open the explanation.

Keep practising

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