This introduction covers Two Ways to Ask — Verb First or W-Word First 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 1 of 6 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔄 Two Ways to Ask — Verb First or W-Word First
German has exactly two question patterns. Yes/no questions put the VERB first. W-questions put the question word first and the verb second. Master both and you can ask anything correctly — and getting the word order right is an AO3 mark.
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?'
Quick recall flashcards
Darf ich...?
May I...? — A polite request for permission with the modal 'dürfen'. Darf ich hier sitzen? = May I sit here? Modal first, infinitive 'sitzen' at the end.
Was machst du?
What are you doing? — Question word 'was' (position 1), verb 'machst' (position 2), subject 'du' (position 3).