Hauptsatz

Hauptsatz is a term in German grammar describing the main clause or independent clause, which can stand alone as a sentence. It contrasts with Nebensatz, the subordinate clause, which relies on a Hauptsatz for its full meaning and cannot stand alone.

In a Hauptsatz, the finite verb typically occupies the second position, a pattern known as verb-second (V2) word order. The first position may be filled by any element such as the subject, a time expression, an object, or a prepositional phrase. If the subject is not the first element, the verb still comes in the second slot. For example: Ich gehe heute ins Kino. or Heute gehe ich ins Kino.

The Hauptsatz supports various sentence types. Declarative main clauses state facts or opinions (Ich lese ein Buch). Imperatives express commands (Geh ins Kino!). In yes–no questions, the verb often appears at the beginning (Gehst du heute Abend ins Kino?).

A key distinction is between Hauptsatz and Nebensatz. In Hauptsätzen the finite verb stays in the second position, while in Nebensätzen the verb typically moves to the end of the clause (Ich glaube, dass er heute Abend ins Kino geht). This contrast helps determine clauses within a complex sentence.

Overall, the Hauptsatz functions as the foundational unit of German sentence structure, governing main‑clause word order and the independence of the clause from subordinate structures.