In word order 101 we learned the basic structure, but what if we want to add additional elements?
In the event that a sentence contains extra elements, German prefers the Time – Manner – Place order. This means you mention
- When something happens (Time),
- How it happens (Manner), and
- Where it happens (Place),
in that order.
| Ich fahre heute mit dem Bus in die Stadt. | I’m taking the bus into town today. “I drive today (time) with the bus (manner) into the town (place).” |
| Wir tanzen nackt auf dem Dach. | We dance naked on the roof. “We dance naked (manner) on the roof (place).” |
| Er sang gestern Abend alleine vor dem Rathaus. | He sang alone in front of the town hall last night. “He sang yesterday evening (time) alone (manner) in front of the town hall (place).” |
Of course, you can also emphasise part of the sentence by moving it to the beginning. Just remember to obey the V2 rule!
| (Mit dem Bus) fahre ich heute in die Stadt. | It’s by bus that I’m going into town today. “With the bus drive I today into the town.” |