This deep dive covers The two question types within Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions for GCSE German. Revise Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions in Question Words and Role-Play Formulas for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 2 of 6 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📋 The two question types
Every German question is one of these two shapes. Decide which one you need, then put the verb in the right place.
| Type | Pattern | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes/no | VERB + subject… | Wohnst du in Berlin? | Do you live in Berlin? |
| W-question | W-word + VERB + subject… | Wo wohnst du? | Where do you live? |
⭐ Yes/no questions: the verb jumps to the front
To turn a statement into a yes/no question, swap the subject and the verb:
- Du wohnst in Berlin. → Wohnst du in Berlin?
- Du spielst Fußball. → Spielst du Fußball?
- Du hast Geschwister. → Hast du Geschwister?
The finite verb moves to position 1.
Practice questions for Forming questions: verb-first and W-questions
In a German yes/no question (with no question word), where does the verb go?
Which is the correct German yes/no question for 'Do you live in Berlin?'