Grundglied

Grundglied is a term used in German grammar to describe the core elements of a sentence that carry its essential meaning. In traditional teaching, the Grundglieder are usually the subject (Subjekt) and the finite verb forming the predicate (Prädikat). Together, they establish the basic meaning and the main word order of a sentence, especially in main clauses.

In many grammars, the Grundglieder are complemented by other sentence parts known as Nebenglieder. Nebenglieder include objects, adverbials, and modifiers that add detail but are not essential to the core claim of the sentence. Nebenglieder can often be moved within a sentence for emphasis or style without changing the fundamental meaning, although word order rules in German affect where they appear.

Examples help illustrate the distinction. Der Mann isst. Here Der Mann is the Subjekt and isst is the Prädikat; there are no Nebenglieder. Die Frau liest heute Abend ein Buch. Die Frau and liest form the Grundglieder, while heute Abend (time) and ein Buch (object) are Nebenglieder. Gestern hat der Junge einen Ball verloren. Das Nebenglied Gestern sets the time, und einen Ball is a Nebenglied as the object to the verb verlieren.

The concept of Grundglied aids in understanding sentence structure, word order, and how elements can be arranged for emphasis or clarity. It is primarily used in German-language grammar and may vary slightly between linguistic traditions.