German sentence structure is straightforward but has key differences from English. In this lesson, we will explore the standard word order in declarative sentences, learn about the placement of verbs, and discuss the importance of the subject-verb agreement. This foundational knowledge will help students construct clear and correct sentences.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the basic word order in German declarative sentences.
2. Correctly position verbs and subjects in sentences.
3. Form affirmative and negative sentences with simple structures.

Lesson Content

1. Basic Word Order: Subject – Verb – Object (SVO)

In simple declarative sentences, German follows a basic word order similar to English:
Subject + Verb + Object

Examples:

1. Ich lerne Deutsch. – I learn German.
   (Ich = Subject, lerne = Verb, Deutsch = Object)

2. Wir essen Pizza. – We eat pizza.
   (Wir = Subject, essen = Verb, Pizza = Object)

3. Er liest ein Buch. – He reads a book.
   (Er = Subject, liest = Verb, ein Buch = Object)

2. The Verb Position in Sentences

The verb is always the second element in a main clause, even when the sentence begins with something other than the subject.
This is known as the Verb-Second Rule (Verb-Zweit-Regel).

Examples:

1. Ich gehe zur Schule. – I go to school.
2. Morgen gehe ich zur Schule. – Tomorrow, I go to school.
   (Morgen is placed first, but the verb gehe remains in the second position.)

3. Sentence Types

Affirmative Sentences

These state facts or opinions.
Example: Ich spiele Fußball. – I play soccer.

Negative Sentences

Add the word nicht or kein to make a sentence negative.

• Nicht negates verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
  Example: Ich spiele nicht Fußball. – I do not play soccer.

• Kein is used with nouns.
  Example: Ich habe kein Buch. – I do not have a book.

4. Questions and Yes/No Answers

Questions either follow the inverted word order (verb first) or use a question word.

• Yes/No Questions:
  Verb comes first:
  Beispiel: Spielst du Fußball? – Do you play soccer?
  Antwort: Ja, ich spiele Fußball. – Yes, I play soccer. / Nein, ich spiele nicht. – No, I do not play.

• W-Questions (Information Questions):
  Start with a question word (wer, was, wo, wann, warum):
  Beispiel: Wo wohnst du? – Where do you live?
  Antwort: Ich wohne in Berlin. – I live in Berlin.

5. Tips for Expanding Sentences

Adding Time and Place

Time and place elements are usually added after the verb but before the object.
Example:

• Ich lese heute ein Buch. – I am reading a book today.
• Er geht morgen zur Schule. – He goes to school tomorrow.

Order of Adverbs

When using multiple adverbs, the usual order is Time – Manner – Place (TMP).
Example:

• Ich fahre morgen mit dem Bus nach Berlin. – I travel to Berlin by bus tomorrow.

6. Practice Sentences

1. Form Simple Sentences
   Create sentences using the following words:

   • Ich / lernen / Deutsch.
   • Er / gehen / ins Kino.
   • Wir / essen / Pizza.

2. Transform Affirmative to Negative
   Rewrite the sentences below in the negative form:

   • Ich spiele Tennis.
   • Sie hat ein Auto.
   • Wir lesen ein Buch.

3. Answer Questions
   Respond to the following yes/no questions in German:

   • Spielst du Fußball?
   • Hast du ein Haustier?
   • Magst du Pizza?

4. Translate into German
   Translate these sentences into German:

   • I go to school.
   • She does not have a dog.
   • We eat pizza tomorrow.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misplacing the Verb
   Remember that the verb must always be in the second position in declarative sentences.
   Incorrect: Ich Deutsch lerne.
   Correct: Ich lerne Deutsch.

2. Using “nicht” and “kein” Incorrectly
   Use kein with nouns and nicht with verbs or other elements.
   Incorrect: Ich habe nicht Buch.
   Correct: Ich habe kein Buch.

3. Word Order in Questions
   In yes/no questions, always place the verb at the beginning.
   Incorrect: Du spielst Fußball?
   Correct: Spielst du Fußball?

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned the basic word order of German sentences (SVO), the Verb-Second Rule, and how to form affirmative and negative sentences. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences in German.