Yes/no questions with the verb first

In brief

To ask a question that can be answered with yes or no in German, put the conjugated verb first. The subject usually follows it. Unlike English, German does not add a word like ‘do’ to form this kind of question.

Form

Conjugated verb + subject + rest of the sentence + ? With a modal verb: modal verb + subject + rest + infinitive + ?

Usage

• Use this word order when asking for a yes-or-no answer: ‘Hast du Zeit?’
• Keep the verb in its form for the subject: ‘Kommst du?’ but ‘Kommt ihr?’
• With a modal verb, place the other verb at the end: ‘Kannst du kommen?’

Examples

• Hast du heute Zeit? — Do you have time today?
• Kommt ihr morgen? — Are you coming tomorrow?
• Kannst du heute kommen? — Can you come today?

Common mistake

❌ Tust du Deutsch sprechen?

✅ Sprichst du Deutsch?

English uses ‘do’ in questions such as ‘Do you speak German?’ Standard German puts the conjugated main verb first instead; it does not add ‘tun’ as a question helper.

Remember

Put the conjugated verb first; you do not need an English-style ‘do’.