Das Pfandsystem: word order with 'wenn', inversion, plural nouns
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use 'wenn' to describe outcomes of actions.
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- Word order three conjunctions like 'wenn' send the verb to the end.
- The subject and verb are inverted in word order two.
- There are many ways to form the plural in German.
Keywords
Wenn - conjunction meaning 'if' or 'when' which triggers word order 3
Word order 2 - (WO2) inverts the subject and verb in a sentence
Word order 3 - (WO3) sends the verb to the end of the sentence or clause after certain conjunctions
Common misconception
All sentences with 'wenn' use word order 3 and send the verb to the end.
Distinguish between a clause and a sentence. 'Wenn' clauses need a second clause to complete a sentence. A clause starting with 'wenn' sends the verb to the end. If the 'wenn' clause is first, the second clause (after the comma) uses inversion.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to learn a simple version of 2-clause sentences - one starting with 'wenn' and one with the 'wenn' clause in 2nd place. Perhaps use physical actions to show the verb moving in WO3, and then inversion in WO2.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
against it, them; on the other hand
through it, them; as a result, as a consequence
on it, at it, in the process of it
above it, about it
Q2.These wo-compound words are used to ask questions. Which word also means 'whereas'?
Q3.Use __________ compounds to ask questions with verbs that take __________. Unlike English, German does not put prepositions at the __________ of questions. ‘Wo-’ becomes ‘__________’ before a vowel.
Q4.Which conjunctions send the verb to the end of the sentence (word order 3)?
Q5.The standard German word order 1 is __________, verb, __________. In word order 2, the subject and __________ swap places. This is called __________ and happens in __________ too.
Q6.Which nouns can be either singular or plural?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the English and German.
Weile
im Großen und Ganzen
zumindest
aufladen
gelten
verhindern
Q2.Match the plural noun to its plural rule number.
add 'e' or 'umlaut + e' to (m) and (nt) nouns (rule 1)
no change to words ending in 'en', 'el', 'er' (rule 2)
add 'n' or 'en' to most feminine nouns (rule 3)
add 'er' to (m) and (nt) nouns, with an umlaut if possible (rule 4)
add 's' to nouns borrowed from other languages (rule 5)
Q3.Which features would you expect to see in a sentence beginning with 'wenn'?
Q4.Which statement about the German 'Pfandsystem' is false?
Q5.'Wenn du keine Flasche zurückbringst, verlierst du das Pfand.' Complete the translation of this sentence into English: ' the bottle, you lose the deposit.'
Q6.'When I go into town, I normally travel by bus.' Complete the translation of this sentence into German: ' , fahre ich normalerweise mit dem Bus.'
To help you plan your 10 German lesson on: Das Pfandsystem: word order with 'wenn', inversion, plural nouns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 German lesson on: Das Pfandsystem: word order with 'wenn', inversion, plural nouns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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