This introduction covers Die Verbklammer — The Verb Always Comes Second within Word order: verb-second (V2) and the verb bracket for GCSE German. Revise Word order: verb-second (V2) and the verb bracket in Core Grammar Toolkit 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 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

🥈 Die Verbklammer — The Verb Always Comes Second

German word order has one golden rule — the finite verb is always the SECOND element in a main clause. And when there is a second verb part (an infinitive, a participle, a separable prefix), it jumps right to the very end of the sentence. Master these two rules and your German sentences will come out correct every time.

Practice questions for Word order: verb-second (V2) and the verb bracket

Which sentence correctly uses the separable verb 'aufmachen' (to open)?

A. Er macht das Fenster.
B. Er aufmacht das Fenster.
C. Er machen das Fenster auf.
D. Er macht das Fenster auf.

1 markfoundation

Which sentence correctly uses 'weil' (because)?

A. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich bin krank.
B. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil krank ich bin.
C. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.
D. Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil bin ich krank.

1 markfoundation

Quick recall flashcards

weil

because (subordinating) -- sends the verb to the end: 'Ich lerne Deutsch, weil es nützlich ist.' Great for adding detail and earning marks in speaking and writing.

dass

that (subordinating) -- sends the verb to the end: 'Ich glaube, dass Deutschland schön ist.' Do not confuse with 'das' (the/which); 'dass' is the conjunction.

Die Verbklammer — The Verb Always Comes Second