Grammar
German A1
The first patterns that make simple German readable and predictable.
On this level
- Core verbs and cases
Start with the highest-frequency verb patterns and the first visible case contrasts.
- Word-order foundations
German becomes much less scary once the sentence skeleton is visible.
- Daily actions and negation
Handle requests, ability, and simple negative meaning.
Core verbs and cases
Start with the highest-frequency verb patterns and the first visible case contrasts.
Sein and haben
German relies heavily on sein and haben for identity, possession, and the first layer of description.
Nominative and accusative basics
The nominative marks the subject, while the accusative often marks the direct object.
Possessive articles
Words like mein, dein, and sein show belonging, but they also change with gender, number, and case.
Word-order foundations
German becomes much less scary once the sentence skeleton is visible.
Verb-second word order
In a normal main clause, the conjugated verb usually sits in second position.
Yes-no and wh-questions
German yes-no questions usually place the verb first, while question-word questions keep the verb right after the question word.
Time, manner, place
German often feels clearest when time comes before manner and place later in the clause.
Daily actions and negation
Handle requests, ability, and simple negative meaning.
Können and möchten
Modal verbs let you talk about ability and polite wants very early.
Nicht and kein
Use nicht to negate verbs, adjectives, and many full ideas, and use kein to negate an indefinite noun.
Es gibt
Es gibt is one of the most useful early patterns for saying that something exists or is available.