Three Types of Sentences in German: A Simple Explanation for Levels A2–B1

One of the most important topics for passing the DTZ / TELC B1 exam is the correct sentence structure.

Many students know the words but lose points due to:

• incorrect word order
• incorrect verb position
• mistakes with connectors

👉 Good news: all of this can be reduced to 3 simple types of sentences.

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1. Verb in 2nd position (Hauptsatz)

This is the main type of sentence used most often.

📌 Rule:
👉 The verb is always in the 2nd position

Connectors:

• und (and)
• oder (or)
• aber (but)
• denn (because)
• sondern (but, after negation)

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Examples:

• Ich lerne Deutsch und ich arbeite viel.

(I am learning German and I work a lot)

• Wir gehen ins Kino oder wir bleiben zu Hause.

(We go to the cinema or we stay at home)

• Ich will kommen, aber ich habe keine Zeit.

(I want to come, but I have no time)

• Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn ich bin krank.

(I stay at home because I am sick)

• Ich trinke nicht Kaffee, sondern ich trinke Tee.

(I don’t drink coffee, but I drink tea)

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✅ Important:
After these words, the word order does not change

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1. Verb at the end (Nebensatz)

These are more complex sentences that give you more points on the exam 💪

📌 Rule:
👉 The verb goes to the end of the sentence

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Connectors:

• dass (that)
• weil (because)
• wenn (if / when)
• als (when in the past)
• ob (whether)
• obwohl (although)

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Examples:

• Ich weiß, dass du müde bist.

(I know that you are tired)

• Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.

(I stay at home because I am sick)

• Wenn ich Zeit habe, komme ich.

(If I have time, I come)

• Als ich klein war, spielte ich viel.

(When I was little, I played a lot)

• Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt.

(I don’t know whether he is coming)

• Ich gehe spazieren, obwohl es kalt ist.

(I go for a walk although it is cold)

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✅ This is exactly the type of sentence that raises you to level B1+

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1. Inversion after connectors (Position 1 → Verb)

This is the third type, often underestimated, but very important for Schreiben and Sprechen.

📌 Rule:
👉 If the sentence starts with a connector → the verb immediately follows it

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Connectors:

• deshalb / darum / deswegen (therefore)
• dann (then)
• danach (after that)
• trotzdem (nevertheless)
• außerdem (besides)

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Examples:

• Ich habe viel gearbeitet, deshalb bin ich müde.

(I worked a lot, therefore I am tired)

• Er lernt viel, darum spricht er gut Deutsch.

(He studies a lot, therefore he speaks German well)

• Ich habe keine Zeit, deswegen komme ich nicht.

(I have no time, therefore I am not coming)

• Ich komme nach Hause, dann esse ich.

(I come home, then I eat)

• Ich mache Hausaufgaben, danach gehe ich spazieren.

(I do homework, after that I go for a walk)

• Es ist kalt, trotzdem gehe ich spazieren.

(It is cold, nevertheless I go for a walk)

• Ich lerne Deutsch, außerdem arbeite ich viel.

(I learn German, besides I work a lot)

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Conclusion (this is important for the exam)

To pass B1, you need to:

✅ use all 3 types of sentences
✅ combine simple and complex structures
✅ show logic through connectors

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Quick scheme for memorization:

• Type 1 → verb in 2nd position
• Type 2 → verb at the end
• Type 3 → after connector → verb immediately

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💡 Little lifehack:
If your text has weil, dass, obwohl + deshalb, trotzdem — you already look like B1/B2 😉