Key learning points

1. The sound-symbol correspondences [eu] and [äu] have the same sound, which is different from [au].
2. Adverbs in a sentence follow the order time, manner, place (TMP); this word order applies in all tenses.
3. Any adverb can start a sentence for emphasis. Where this occurs, use word order two (WO2) and TMP for remaining adverbs.
4. Use imperfect modal verbs in speech and writing to say what you and others wanted, were able or had to do.

Keywords

• Time, manner, place (TMP) - order of adverbs in a German sentence - time before manner before place, abbreviated to TMP

• Word order two (WO2) - inverts the subject and verb in a sentence, when an adverb starts the sentence

• Modal verb - verb of necessity or possibility (‘must’, ‘can’, ‘want’) used with a 2nd verb in infinitive, which goes to the end

• Imperfect tense - German single-word past tense used mainly to narrate past events in writing, e.g., ‘war’, ‘hatte’, ‘gab’

Common misconception