The most important rule in word order is that the verb is the second idea of the main clause or sentence.
Sentences do not necessarily have to start with a subject, but may start with a time phrase or direct object. In each case the verb is the second idea
NB. This does not necessarily mean the second word. A time phrase, for example may be made up of several words, (eg: um sechs Uhr) but the whole phrase together represents one idea. The verb follows this.
Ich stehe jeden Morgen um sechs Uhr auf.
Jeden Morgen stehe ich um sechs Uhr auf.
Ich verlasse das Haus um 8Uhr.
Um 8Uhr verlasse ich das Haus
Das Haus verlasse ich um 8Uhr
When the subject does not start the sentence, it must follow the verb directly.
It is considered good style in German to try and vary the first word of your sentences so that they do not always start with the subject.
Click on the following links for interactive exercises on word order.
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