Sentence structure of main clauses in German
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
A main clause can stand alone as a full sentence. A main clause contains at least a subject, a verb and an object. The four cases are the reasons why we can identify the different role (subject or object position) of pronouns or nouns. Further, the German cases lead to a various range of ordering the parts of a sentence. This is important, if we are writing texts.
For example:
There are two different ways of forming the sentence structure. The first is for basic sentences, the other for compound tenses and sentences with separable prefixes.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
The regular word order used in basic sentences in German is as follows.
subject | conjugated verb (finite verb) | object |
---|---|---|
Der Mann (The man) | ist (is) | unser Professor (our professor) |
type of the first position | first position in the sentence | finite verb | subject | indirect object | time | place | direct object | infinite verb |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
subject | Der Lehrer | hat | dem Schüler | heute | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
indirect object | Dem Schüler | hat | der Lehrer | heute | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
time | Heute | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | im Unterricht | eine Frage | gestellt | |
place | Im Unterricht | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | heute | eine Frage | gestellt | |
direct object | Eine Frage | hat | der Lehrer | dem Schüler | heute | im Unterricht | gestellt |
If the direct object is a pronoun, it is places before the indirect object:
sie (die Frage):
Der Lehrer hat sie dem Schüler heute im Unterricht gestellt.
There are different types of objects in German.
Example | category of object |
---|---|
Maria wirft den Apfel. (Maria throws the apple) | accusative object (Wen/was?) |
Der Apfel gehört ihr. (The apple belongs to her) | dative object (Wem?) |
Der Apfel ist ihrer. (The apple is hers) | genitive object (Wessen?) |
Sie denkt an ihn. (She thinks of him) | prepositional object |
Rewrite the following sentences, using the present perfect tense of the verb.
For example:
1. Sie mussten schneller laufen. - müssen.
(They needed to run faster - They had to run faster)
2. Wir machten die Box auf. - aufgemacht.
(We opened the box - Wie had opened the box)
3. Er wollte nicht heimgehen. - wollen.
(He didn't want to go home)
4. Sie wollte es ihm zeigen. - zeigen .
(She did want to show it to him - She has wanted to show it to him)
5. Seine Oma brachte es ihm mit. - beigebracht.
(His grandma did teach him - His grandma has taught him)
6. Meine Mutter ließ mich gehen. - gelassen.
(My mother did let me go - My mother had let me go)
7. Er konnte gut rechnen. - rechnen .
(He was able to calculate well - He has been able to calculate well)
8. Die Alte setzte sich auf die Bank. - gesetzt.
(The old one sat down on the bench - The old one has sitten down on the bench)
9. Die Bahn fuhr vor 10 Minuten ab. - 10 Minuten .
(The tram left 10 minutes ago - The train has left 10 minutes ago)
10. Der Opa ging - ist .
(The grandpa left - The grandpa had left)
Fill in the missing words. Rewrite each of the following sentences, beginning with the bold element. Pay attantion to capilitaziation.
For example:
1. Wir wollten das Auto in Spanien kaufen. Das Auto .
(We wanted to buy the car in Spain)
2. Sie kommen morgen zurück. Morgen .
(They come back tomorrow - Tomorrow they come back)
3. Er hat es im Auto vergessen. Im Auto er .
(He forgot it in the car)
4. Er ist am Morgen meistens müde. Meistens .
(In the morning he is tired most of the time - Most of the time he is tired in the morning)
5. Meine Eltern waren leider im Urlaub. Leider .
(My parent were unfortunately in vacation - Unfortunately my parent were in vacation)
6. Ich konnte wegen meiner Erkältung kaum schlafen. Wegen meiner Erkältung .
(I barely could sleep because of my cold - Because of my cold I could barely sleep)
7. Wir habe es gestern Mittag gemacht. Gestern Mittag .
(We did it yesterday at noon - Yesterday at noon we did it)
8. Sie fahren mit dem Bus in die Schweiz. Mit dem Bus .
(They go by bus to Switzerland - By bus they go to Switzerland)
9. Das Museum liegt außerhalb der Stadt. Außerhalb der Stadt .
(The museum is outside of the city - Outside of the city there is the museum)
10. Ich habe es oft hören müssen. Oft .
(I had to listen to that a lot of times - A lot of times I had to listen to that)
Rewrite the following sentences, using the present perfect tense of the verb.
For example:
1. Sie mussten schneller laufen. - müssen.
(They needed to run faster - They had to run faster)
2. Wir machten die Box auf. - aufgemacht.
(We opened the box - Wie had opened the box)
3. Er wollte nicht heimgehen. - wollen.
(He didn't want to go home)
4. Sie wollte es ihm zeigen. - zeigen .
(She did want to show it to him - She has wanted to show it to him)
5. Seine Oma brachte es ihm mit. - beigebracht.
(His grandma did teach him - His grandma has taught him)
6. Meine Mutter ließ mich gehen. - gelassen.
(My mother did let me go - My mother had let me go)
7. Er konnte gut rechnen. - rechnen .
(He was able to calculate well - He has been able to calculate well)
8. Die Alte setzte sich auf die Bank. - gesetzt.
(The old one sat down on the bench - The old one has sitten down on the bench)
9. Die Bahn fuhr vor 10 Minuten ab. - 10 Minuten .
(The tram left 10 minutes ago - The train has left 10 minutes ago)
10. Der Opa ging - ist .
(The grandpa left - The grandpa had left)
Fill in the missing words. Rewrite each of the following sentences, beginning with the bold element. Pay attantion to capilitaziation.
For example:
1. Wir wollten das Auto in Spanien kaufen. Das Auto .
(We wanted to buy the car in Spain)
2. Sie kommen morgen zurück. Morgen .
(They come back tomorrow - Tomorrow they come back)
3. Er hat es im Auto vergessen. Im Auto er .
(He forgot it in the car)
4. Er ist am Morgen meistens müde. Meistens .
(In the morning he is tired most of the time - Most of the time he is tired in the morning)
5. Meine Eltern waren leider im Urlaub. Leider .
(My parent were unfortunately in vacation - Unfortunately my parent were in vacation)
6. Ich konnte wegen meiner Erkältung kaum schlafen. Wegen meiner Erkältung .
(I barely could sleep because of my cold - Because of my cold I could barely sleep)
7. Wir habe es gestern Mittag gemacht. Gestern Mittag .
(We did it yesterday at noon - Yesterday at noon we did it)
8. Sie fahren mit dem Bus in die Schweiz. Mit dem Bus .
(They go by bus to Switzerland - By bus they go to Switzerland)
9. Das Museum liegt außerhalb der Stadt. Außerhalb der Stadt .
(The museum is outside of the city - Outside of the city there is the museum)
10. Ich habe es oft hören müssen. Oft .
(I had to listen to that a lot of times - A lot of times I had to listen to that)
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hallo :) My name is Mihaela and I was born in Switzerland. I have a Bachleor and Master degree as German teacher and more then 5 years experience.
I love languages, because of that I speak also Croatian and English. :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation and vocabulary.
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar. Or we can learn whatever you need, because I will always adapt to your needs. :)
I will support you during your learning experience and adapt to your learning tempo.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books (Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen,...).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
As always, her lessons are great! She takes time to prepare in advance the lesson and pesonalised material for your needs.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Domenica has a lot of teaching experience and can adapt the lesson to her students. She is really enthusiastic and she really loves teaching.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
What about Fiorina ..... person available, prepared and always sunny ... for those who want to learn German I recommend studying with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So with me you can learn all the tipps to improve or learn German. I also worked as an Engineer for several years so we can as well work on your vocabulary in a technical level.
I am a great fan of new cultures and languages.
Feel free to contact me for a class :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Olivia has been amazing in helping learn German in a crash course fashion. She has materials for exactly the things I needed to know and helped me understand the bare minimum (which is what I was going for) to help me get my ideas across and understand the structure of what people are saying. She is a fantastic teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello there. I am Ivan and I teach German, French and English online with great success for over 7 years. My teaching technics suit to all kind of interests and goals: personal as well as professional.
I have studied, worked and lived in the French and in the German part of Switzerland, supporting customers from different ages and countries around the world. I am currently working for two online-schools (in the UK and in China).
Additionally, teaching is my passion which makes me not only a passionated and hard-working teacher but also a flexible, dynamic and compassionate person.
Please contact me for more information and a first meeting free of charge.
Looking forward to meet you soon.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ivan is very comprehensive in his approach - flexible in jumping in to formulate a plan and take a step back to review concepts that are less stable. He listens well and molds the lesson to my needs. I look forward to more lessons and improving my German with Ivan -- Thanks Ivan!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Bianka is friendly and very patient. She is from Germany so I can learn the German pronunciations very well with her. I recommend Bianka if you are looking for a German teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Noemie, I am 27 years old, and I live in Europe. I am Belgian and French, and I am bilingual in English and French,Yo puedo hablar en espanol and ‘Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí zhōngwén’ and я учу русский язык.
I love trying to understand the world and its mysteries through history, culture, philosophy, politics, arts and above all through traveling. Indeed, traveling is my job as I am a documentary photographer, this is why I know how crucial it is to acquire the ability to speak English. It is a gateway to deepening our self-understanding, to widening our professional horizons, and a bridge towards understanding people from all around the world.
My teaching adventure started three years ago when I decided to tour the world seeking for new adventures and new horizons to deepen my understanding of this world. Since then, I have been a TEFL certified English teacher both online and in real life. I've had the chance to teach children and adults from all around the world, in Russia, China, Vietnam and France.
This experience helped me developed my capacity to teach English to all, whether you are Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French, … language isn’t a barrier for me. Cultural exchange is my passion and if need be I will get to learn the key sentences in your language to ease the communication during our classes. I will adapt my teaching style to your learning style.
I will use what works for you to improve your comprehension skills, writing skills and pronunciation too, whether it is reading books, articles, poems and studying them, or engaging in conversation, working from a textbook, watching movies, exploring new sets of vocabularies, or practicing tongue twisters. I will tailor the class according to your level and your learning style and will provide you with the material to do so.
I used to be an actress working in Paris, so I know a lot about charisma and creating presence. With me, you will gain confidence in your oral expression, just like an actor.
Remember that I used to be where you are, trying to learn a new language, so I totally understand how overwhelming it can be. I also have plenty of tips to help you develop your learning process in your daily life.
As a learner of many languages, and a theatre studies graduate,
I have been exposed to various learning techniques, leading me to develop my own approach to education which doesn’t only makes me an English teacher but also a coach.
I believe that the secret of a good class lies in the complicity between the teacher and the student which is why a friendly environment, a set of good activities and a good laugh is my unique recipe for learning English.
My job is accomplished when you are able to speak English—it doesn’t matter how many mistakes you make: as long as you have the motivation, the rest will follow.
I’m here to help you!
If you are interested, send me a message and let’s start the journey!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Noemie is an energetic and sunny person. She is an experienced teacher who is used to working with people from different cultures. Highly recommended!!!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I am Maaike, a Dutch primary school teacher. Every day I'm doing by best to teach the Dutch language well to the childeren, but also other languages such as English and Spanish.
I have more than 12 years of experience as a teacher, in the Netherlands and abroad, to young and old!
In the Netherlands I have experience in each grade, so I know exactly how the Dutch language is given in primary education. This can certainly help children, but also adults who want to learn the Dutch language in a correct way, having a good basic knowledge is the most important part of learning a new language.
I lived in Spain for 3 years where I taught English to Spanish children and adults. During that period I also followed an intensive language course to learn the Spanish language. Currently I am learning Nepali through Skype. I know what it is like to learn a new language, what it involves and how the learning process works.
I will first discuss with you what you would like to achieve by following the language lessons and what your needs are. Maybe it's just speaking skills, or grammar or listening skills, or a combination. In addition, I want to use my creativity to apply methods that work best for you, personalized language classes. :)
My goal is to give you the feeling after each class that you've come one step closer to your personal goal!
Feel free to request a trial class, so we can see what I can do for you and if my way of teaching suits you. See you soon! :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The best language teacher my daughter has had! She is a kind and friendly teacher. I feel like she keeps the lesson pace going and focused. Highly recommend Maaike. :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Yulia is a very nice teacher, with lots of patience and great preparation for each lesson. She has tailor-made each lesson for us, according to what topics we would like to focus more. We are very happy to have lessons with her to improve our German skills, especially our speaking skills, in preparation for our coming exams.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Italian teacher. 32 years of experience in face-to-face classes with adults and adolescents. Bachelor's degree in linguistics. The classes are adapted to the needs of the student. We do the program together when we walk, we have fun and you learn well. I am very didactic and clear when explaining. I have experience in different branches of pedagogy and glutodidactics.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Marta is an Argentinean teacher who has had experience teaching Italian to adult audiences. She has a great variety of high-quality learning materials and various teaching methods.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I happen to be a safety and security specialist for a major oil and gas exploration company and have also done my one year TEFL Diploma. I have been teaching English to students online as well as in classrooms primarily out of passion and love for teaching English and helping the students overcome their difficulties and lack of confidence/ motivation towards using English in their every day lives. My average rating happens to be 4.99/5 with 5 star reviews on English teaching websites such as www.engoo.com and https://eikaiwa.dmm.com/.
Despite being a non native English speaker; I happen to have native level proficiency in aspects of English language and am very passionate about helping students achieve their goals and aspirations in life via use of exclusive and result orientated lesson that have allowed me to achieve my level of skills in English Language. Lastly, owing to my diversified professional back ground, I also provide consultation services with regards to motivation and self improvement and help individuals gain self confidence and to think objectively.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Shahbaz is an English teacher from Pakistan who has had a lot of experience with adult audiences mainly and with beginners. He has learning materials to work both your comprehension and English verbal skills. He is a very concise and well-recommended teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have 3 years of teaching experience and a 120 hours of advanced practical TEFL and TESOL. I am a dedicated teacher who cares about her students. I am an amazing listener, attentive, and very passionate. I enjoy traveling, for it allows me to meet new people of different cultures and backgrounds. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, for I get to make an impact in people's lives as much as they make an impact in mine. I cannot wait to make your English learning journey enjoyable and impactful.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Paradise is a southafrican teacher with particular experience with younger students. She has a lot of fun learning materials that ensure an interactive lesson and seems to have great confidence in front of the camera.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Christina and I provide German & French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!
I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My daughter is really happy with Christina and I can already see she is improving her German after 6 lessons! Many thanks Christina!
Christina F.
![]()
Thank you very much !
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) My name is Mihaela and I was born in Switzerland. I have a Bachleor and Master degree as German teacher and more then 5 years experience.
I love languages, because of that I speak also Croatian and English. :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation and vocabulary.
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar. Or we can learn whatever you need, because I will always adapt to your needs. :)
I will support you during your learning experience and adapt to your learning tempo.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books (Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen,...).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
As always, her lessons are great! She takes time to prepare in advance the lesson and pesonalised material for your needs.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Domenica has a lot of teaching experience and can adapt the lesson to her students. She is really enthusiastic and she really loves teaching.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
What about Fiorina ..... person available, prepared and always sunny ... for those who want to learn German I recommend studying with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So with me you can learn all the tipps to improve or learn German. I also worked as an Engineer for several years so we can as well work on your vocabulary in a technical level.
I am a great fan of new cultures and languages.
Feel free to contact me for a class :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Olivia has been amazing in helping learn German in a crash course fashion. She has materials for exactly the things I needed to know and helped me understand the bare minimum (which is what I was going for) to help me get my ideas across and understand the structure of what people are saying. She is a fantastic teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials