I. Theory
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that modifies a verb and thus shows how the action is being done. In German, these phrases are often categorized in the following categories: time (tomorrow, in the summer, next year), manner (with my family, by train, alone), and place (to Berlin, at home, here).In most German sentences, adverbs are presented in the following order: time + manner + place. Exceptions do occur, usually when a specific phrase is being stressed.
| Ich jogge nach der Arbeit (time) mit einem Kollegen (manner) in der Stadt (place). I go running in the city with a colleague after work. Wir gehen nach dem Konzert (time) mit ein paar Freunden (manner) ins Restaurant (place). We go to the restaurant after the concert with some friends. Ich lese während des Sturms (time) allein (manner) zu Hause (place). I read alone at home during the storm. |
II. Placement in Relation to Verb(s)
In most situations, these adverbial phrases will be found either after the main verb, between verbs, or between a verb and a participle.| Ich bin gegen 10 Uhr allein vom Fest gekommen. I came home alone around 10:00. Wirst du morgen nach der Schule deine Hausaufgaben machen? Will you do your homework tomorrow after school? Können wir im Sommer mit dem Hund im See schwimmen? Can we swim in the lake with the dog this summer? |
III. Stressing an Adverbial Phrase
If an adverbial phrase begins a sentence, it is being stressed. All other information will continue to follow the time, manner, place order.Remember: All main clauses must have a verb following the subject, object, or adverbial phrase that starts the sentence.
| Gestern hat die Konferenz in Leipzig begonnen. Yesterday, the conference in Leipzig began. Im Winter fahren wir mit der Familie in den Bergen Ski. In the winter, we are skiing in the mountains with the family. Manchmal gehe ich allein ins Museum, wenn ich mich langweile. I sometimes go alone to the museum, if I am bored. |