German conjugation explanation

Word order for German compound verb forms

<p>German uses compound verb forms for several tenses, such as the

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext" href="/study/tenseGuideForTense/52/" target="_blank">Perfekt</a>

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext" href="/study/tenseGuideForTense/98/" target="_blank">Plusquamperfekt</a>

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext" href="/study/tenseGuideForTense/100/" target="_blank">Futur</a>

<ul>

<li>A <strong>conjugated auxiliary verb</strong> (usually

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext verb_link" href="/study/conjugations/ger/haben/" title="Click to see conjugations for haben" target="_blank">haben</a>

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext verb_link" href="/study/conjugations/ger/sein/" title="Click to see conjugations for sein" target="_blank">sein</a>

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext verb_link" href="/study/conjugations/ger/werden/" title="Click to see conjugations for werden" target="_blank">werden</a>

<li>A <strong>non-conjugated main verb</strong> (a past participle or an infinitive).</li>

</ul>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_title">Main Clauses: The Sentence Bracket</div>

<p>When using a compound verb form in a <strong>main clause</strong> (a standard sentence), German uses a construction often called the "Sentence Bracket" (<span style="font-style: italic;">Satzklammer</span>).</p>

<p>The conjugated auxiliary verb acts as the first part of the bracket and sits in the <strong>second position</strong> of the sentence. The main verb (participle or infinitive) acts as the closing part of the bracket and goes to the <strong>very end</strong> of the clause. All other information (time, objects, manner) is placed <strong>between</strong> these two verb parts.</p>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Ich <span class="green_emphasis">habe</span> mein Auto bereits <span class="green_emphasis">verkauft</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">I have already sold my car.</span>)</div>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Meine Eltern <span class="green_emphasis">haben</span> mir letzten Monat etwas Geld <span class="green_emphasis">geschickt</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">My parents sent me some money last month.</span>)</div>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Wir <span class="green_emphasis">sind</span> gestern spät nach Hause <span class="green_emphasis">gekommen</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">We came home late yesterday.</span>)</div>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Ich <span class="green_emphasis">werde</span> in diesem Geschäft ein neues Kleid <span class="green_emphasis">kaufen</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">I will buy a new dress in this store.</span>)</div>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_title">Dependent Clauses</div>

<p>However, when the compound verb form is used in a <strong>dependent (or subordinate) clause</strong>, the word order changes. Dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like <span style="font-style: italic;">weil</span> (because), <span style="font-style: italic;">dass</span> (that), or <span style="font-style: italic;">obwohl</span> (although), or by relative pronouns.</p>

<p>In these clauses, the conjugated auxiliary verb moves from the second position to the <strong>very end</strong> of the clause, placed immediately after the participle or infinitive.</p>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Er

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext verb_link" href="/study/conjugations/ger/%C3%B6ffnen/" title="Click to see conjugations for öffnen" target="_blank">öffnete</a>

<div class="conjugation_explanation_example_sentence">Du bist es, <span class="in_word_highlight">den</span> ich immer <span class="green_emphasis">lieben werde</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">It is you who I will always love.</span>)</div>

<p>For more details on this specific pattern, see the specific guide on

<a class="conjugation_explanation_link_intext" href="/conjugationExplanation/german_dependent_clause_compound_verb_forms/" target="_blank">compound verb forms in dependent clauses</a>