Wortordnung

Wortordnung, or word order, denotes the arrangement of words and phrases within sentences and phrases. It is a central aspect of syntax and information structure, influencing meaning, emphasis, and readability. Across languages, word order varies systematically, giving rise to typological patterns such as SVO (subject–verb–object), SOV (subject–object–verb), or VSO. In a language like German, word order interacts with tense, mood, and clause type to determine how a sentence is interpreted.

In German, main clauses typically use verb-second word order (V2). The finite verb occupies the second position, while any fronted element (time, manner, place, or topic) appears first. Example: Heute kauft der Mann einen Apfel. In subordinate clauses introduced by a conjunction (for example weil or dass), the finite verb moves to the end:..., weil der Mann einen Apfel kauft. When modal verbs are used, the infinitive often remains at the end of the main clause: Ich kann heute früh aufstehen. In subordinate clauses with a modal, the finite verb appears at the end: ..., dass ich heute früh aufstehen kann.

German also features separable-prefix verbs, where the prefix can detach in main clauses (Ich stehe heute früh auf) and reattach in subordinate clauses (..., dass ich heute früh aufstehe). The placement of objects and adverbials is relatively flexible, though there are common tendencies (time before manner before place), and negation (nicht) typically precedes the final element it modifies.

Wortordnung thus encompasses not only verb placement but the broader rules governing how subjects, objects, adverbials, and other elements are ordered to convey intended meaning and emphasis.