Main-clause word order after a subordinate clause

In brief

When a subordinate clause comes first in a German sentence, the whole clause takes the first position. The main clause then begins with its conjugated verb, followed by its subject: Wenn ich Zeit habe, rufe ich dich an. In English, the subject normally comes first after the comma: ‘If I have time, I’ll call you.’

Form

Subordinate clause + comma + conjugated main-clause verb + subject + rest of main clause.

Usage

• Use this order when you start with a condition, reason or time clause and then add the main statement.
• If the main clause comes first instead, its subject can take the first position: Ich rufe dich an, wenn ich Zeit habe.

Examples

• Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. — If it rains, we’ll stay home.
• Weil ich morgen früh aufstehen muss, gehe ich jetzt ins Bett. — Because I have to get up early tomorrow, I’m going to bed now.
• Als der Film zu Ende war, gingen wir nach Hause. — When the movie was over, we went home.

Common mistake

❌ Wenn ich Zeit habe, ich rufe dich an.

✅ Wenn ich Zeit habe, rufe ich dich an.

Unlike in English, the German main clause puts its conjugated verb directly after the opening subordinate clause; the subject follows the verb.

Remember

After an opening subordinate clause, put the main clause’s conjugated verb immediately after the comma.