Verbfolge

Verbfolge, or verb sequence, is a linguistic term that describes the order in which verbs appear in a clause when several verbal elements occur together. The concept is used to analyze periphrastic verb phrases, where auxiliary verbs, modal verbs, and lexical verbs combine to express tense, mood, aspect, or voice. While the term is most common in the study of Germanic languages, the idea of a fixed or preferred order of verbs in a clause is found in analyses of related languages as well.

In German, the structure of a verb cluster is described with reference to the position of the finite verb and the arrangement of non-finite forms. In standard main clauses, the finite verb typically occupies the second position, while non-finite forms tend to appear toward the end of the clause in a sequence that reflects their functional roles (auxiliary and modal verbs before the main lexical infinitive or past participle). In subordinate clauses, the finite verb often moves to the clause-final position. The exact ordering of the non-finite elements can vary depending on verb class, tense, aspect, and modality, and there are exceptions in casual speech or regional varieties.

A common illustrative example in German is a chain of two infinitives following an auxiliary: Ich habe ihn arbeiten sehen. This demonstrates how a verb cluster can include an auxiliary, a lexical infinitive, and a following verb, all arranged within a single verbal phrase. The study of Verbfolge helps explain how speakers convey complex temporal and modal nuances with multi-verb constructions and how the patterns compare across Germanic languages.

See also: periphrasis, German syntax, verb phrase.