What is the difference between a main clause and a subordinate clause in German?

A main clause (Hauptsatz) is a complete sentence that can stand alone, with the conjugated verb in second position. A subordinate clause (Nebensatz) cannot stand alone; it depends on the main clause and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction like 'weil' or 'dass'. In a subordinate clause, the conjugated verb moves to the end. For example: 'Ich gehe ins Kino' (main clause) vs. '...weil ich ins Kino gehe' (subordinate clause).

Why does the verb go to the end in German subordinate clauses?

This is a fixed rule in German grammar: in subordinate clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'weil', 'dass', 'obwohl') or relative pronouns, the conjugated verb must be placed at the end. This structure helps distinguish the clause as dependent and is a key feature of German syntax. For example: 'Er sagt, dass er morgen kommt' – 'kommt' is at the end.

Can I start a sentence with a subordinate clause in German?

Yes, you can start a sentence with a subordinate clause, but then the main clause must begin with the verb (verb-first order). For example: 'Weil es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.' Note that the main clause 'bleibe ich zu Hause' has the verb first because the subordinate clause takes the first position. This is a common structure in German.

What are the most common subordinating conjunctions I need to know for GCSE?

The most common subordinating conjunctions for AQA GCSE include: 'weil' (because), 'dass' (that), 'obwohl' (although), 'wenn' (if/when), 'da' (since), 'als' (when, for past events), and 'damit' (so that). You should also know relative pronouns like 'der', 'die', 'das' which also trigger verb-final order.

How do I remember the verb position in German clauses?

A helpful mnemonic is: 'Main clause = verb second; subordinate clause = verb end.' For main clauses, think of the verb as the second 'idea' (not word). For subordinate clauses, imagine the verb being 'pushed' to the end by the conjunction. Practice by writing sentences with 'weil' and 'dass' until it becomes automatic.

Do all conjunctions change word order in German?

No, only subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'weil', 'dass', 'obwohl') change word order by sending the verb to the end. Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'und', 'oder', 'aber', 'denn') do not change word order; the verb stays in second position in both clauses. For example: 'Ich mag Fußball, aber ich spiele nicht gern.' – 'spiele' is still second.

Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures

AQA

GCSE

This topic covers the fundamental rules of German sentence construction at the Foundation Tier, specifically focusing on the word order of main clauses and the structure of subordinate clauses, including relative clauses.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Clause structures in German grammar form the backbone of constructing clear and accurate sentences. At GCSE foundation level, you need to understand how main clauses (Hauptsätze) and subordinate clauses (Nebensätze) work, especially their word order rules. German word order is more flexible than English, but it follows strict patterns: in main clauses, the verb is always the second idea (not necessarily the second word), while in subordinate clauses, the verb moves to the end. Mastering these structures allows you to write more complex sentences and express ideas with precision, which is essential for achieving higher marks in writing and speaking assessments.

This topic is crucial because it directly impacts your ability to form coherent paragraphs and connect ideas using conjunctions like 'weil', 'dass', 'obwohl', and 'wenn'. In the AQA GCSE exam, you will be expected to use a variety of sentence structures to demonstrate your grammatical range. Understanding clause structures also helps you avoid common pitfalls like incorrect verb placement, which can make your German sound unnatural or confusing. By learning these rules, you will be able to write essays, describe events, and express opinions more effectively.

Clause structures fit into the wider subject of German grammar as a foundational skill that supports other areas such as tenses, cases, and prepositions. Once you grasp how clauses work, you can build more sophisticated sentences that combine multiple ideas. This is particularly important for the writing and speaking components of the GCSE, where using subordinate clauses correctly can boost your grade from a 4 to a 6 or higher. Practice identifying and constructing different clause types to build confidence and fluency.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Main clause (Hauptsatz): A complete sentence that can stand alone. The conjugated verb is always in the second position (e.g., 'Ich gehe heute ins Kino.').
→Subordinate clause (Nebensatz): A clause that cannot stand alone and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (e.g., 'weil', 'dass', 'obwohl'). The conjugated verb moves to the end of the clause (e.g., '...weil ich heute ins Kino gehe.').
→Word order in main clauses: Verb second (V2) rule – the finite verb is the second element, but other elements (subject, object, adverbials) can be placed first for emphasis (e.g., 'Heute gehe ich ins Kino.').
→Word order in subordinate clauses: Verb final – the finite verb goes to the end of the clause (e.g., 'Ich weiß, dass er morgen kommt.').
→Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'und', 'oder', 'aber'): These do not change word order; the verb remains in second position in both clauses.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct placement of the conjugated verb in main clauses (second position).
Correct placement of the conjugated verb at the end of subordinate clauses.
Correct use of relative pronouns to introduce relative clauses.
Correct use of subordinating conjunctions to trigger verb-final word order.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct placement of the conjugated verb in main clauses (second position).
Correct placement of the conjugated verb at the end of subordinate clauses.
Correct use of relative pronouns to introduce relative clauses.
Correct use of subordinating conjunctions to trigger verb-final word order.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Remember the 'V2' rule for main clauses: the verb is the second idea, not necessarily the second word.
💡When you see a subordinating conjunction like 'weil' or 'obwohl', immediately think 'verb to the end'.
💡Practice identifying the main clause and the subordinate clause in complex sentences to ensure the correct verb position is applied to each.
💡To impress the examiner, use a variety of subordinate clauses in your writing. Start with 'weil' and 'dass', then try 'obwohl', 'wenn', and 'da'. This shows you can manipulate sentence structure and will earn you marks for complexity.
💡When using subordinate clauses, remember the comma rule: a comma separates the main clause from the subordinate clause. For example: 'Ich mag Fußball, weil es Spaß macht.' Missing commas can lose you punctuation marks.
💡In the speaking exam, practice using subordinate clauses naturally. Don't memorise long sentences; instead, learn the pattern (conjunction + subject + object + verb at end) so you can adapt on the spot. This will make your speech sound more fluent and sophisticated.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Failing to move the verb to the end of the sentence after a subordinating conjunction.
Incorrect word order in main clauses when starting with an adverbial phrase (forgetting the verb must remain in the second position).
Confusing the word order of main clauses with that of subordinate clauses.
Misconception: The verb must always be the second word. Correction: The verb must be the second 'idea' or 'element', not necessarily the second word. For example, 'Heute Abend gehe ich ins Kino' – 'Heute Abend' is one adverbial element, so the verb 'gehe' is still second.
Misconception: Subordinate clauses always start with a conjunction. Correction: While subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, relative pronouns (e.g., 'der', 'die', 'das') also create subordinate clauses with verb-final word order (e.g., 'Der Mann, der dort steht, ist mein Lehrer.').
Misconception: 'Weil' and 'denn' are interchangeable. Correction: 'Weil' is a subordinating conjunction (verb at end), while 'denn' is a coordinating conjunction (verb in second position). For example: 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es regnet.' vs. 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn es regnet.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic German word order: subject-verb-object in simple sentences.
•Common conjunctions: 'und', 'oder', 'aber', 'denn' (coordinating) and 'weil', 'dass' (subordinating).
•Verb conjugation in present tense: knowing how to conjugate regular and common irregular verbs.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Describing daily routines using sequential markers (e.g., 'zuerst', 'danach') to practice subject-verb inversion and temporal accuracy.
Expressing permissions and obligations using modal verbs to master the placement of non-finite verbs at the clause periphery.
Narrating past experiences using auxiliary verbs and participles to demonstrate control over split-verb constructions and sentence frames.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Schreib

Beschreib

Vervollständige

Übersetze

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Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE German

Communication strategies

Communication strategies: Strategies for production

Communication strategies: Strategies for understanding

General vocabulary: Access

How to Revise Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures — AQA GCSE German

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures

Key Marking Points

Grammar (Foundation): Clause structures

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a main clause and a subordinate clause in German?

Why does the verb go to the end in German subordinate clauses?

Can I start a sentence with a subordinate clause in German?

What are the most common subordinating conjunctions I need to know for GCSE?

How do I remember the verb position in German clauses?

Do all conjunctions change word order in German?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE German

Communication strategies

Communication strategies: Strategies for production

Communication strategies: Strategies for understanding

General vocabulary: Access