Level One Word Order with Modals

German does NOT usually follow English word order!!!

The main verb or action goes LAST

TIPS:

  • Modal Verbs = helping verbs: can, should, must, may, want (to), etc
  • The main verb goes last in its infinitive form (sein, haben, spielen, machen etc.)

    EXAMPLES:

    Regular statement: I must go home now.
    Subjectmodalotherinfinitive
    Ichmussjetzt nach Hausegehen.

    Yes-No Question: Can/may you come along tomorrow?
    Modalsubjectotherinfinitive
    Darfstdumorgenmitkommen?

    Question asking for information: What do you want to do this evening?
    Questionmodalsubjectotherinfinitive
    Waswillstduheute abendmachen?

    German does NOT usually follow English word order!!!