Aussagesatz

Aussagesatz is the term for a declarative sentence in German grammar. It expresses a statement or piece of information and is the default sentence type in everyday speech and writing. The name literally means "statement sentence" and it is distinguished from interrogative (Fragesatz), imperative (Befehlsatz), and exclamative (Ausrufesatz) sentences.

In main clauses (Hauptsätze), the finite verb typically occupies the second position (the V2 rule). The first position can be a time expression, object, or other element, with the subject following if it is not in the first slot. Examples: "Heute geht Maria ins Büro." and "Der Mann liest ein Buch." In questions, the verb moves to the first position, creating a Fragesatz, e.g., "Geht Maria heute ins Büro?" That inversion marks a question rather than a statement.

In subordinate clauses (Nebensätze) the conjugated verb is placed at the end, e.g., "Ich glaube, dass er krank ist." The declarative nature remains, but the verb-final position signals subordination.

Punctuation for an Aussagesatz is a period. The form can express assertion, description, or opinion and can be modified by adverbials, negation, or modal verbs (for example, "Ich kann heute nicht kommen."). The concept is central to standard German syntax and serves as the basic building block for more complex sentence structures.