How to form questions in German: 5 simple rules

In German you form questions by changing word order, using inversion, or adding a question word; the verb often moves to the first position. Below you’ll get the core rules, examples, and a quick practice routine you can start right now.

What are the basic word‑order rules for forming questions in German?

German questions follow a strict V2 (verb‑second) pattern for yes/no questions and a V1 (verb‑first) pattern for question‑word (W‑question) sentences. The subject follows the verb unless a question word occupies the first slot.

Kommt the train at 8 o’clock? – Does the train arrive at 8 o’clock?

Hast du das Buch gelesen? – Have you read the book?

Notice how the verb kommt and hast appear before the subject. This inversion is the hallmark of German yes/no questions.

For a quick reference of common verbs in their inverted form, check our everyday phrases tool – it lists the most frequent verbs you’ll need.

German Buddy helps you hear the correct intonation: just record the sentence and get a gentle correction.

How do I turn a statement into a yes/no question?

Take a declarative sentence, move the finite verb to the front, and keep the rest unchanged. No extra words are required.

Statement: Du bist müde. – You are tired.

Question: Bist du müde? – Are you tired?

Another example:

• Hat er das Ticket gekauft? – Did he buy the ticket?
• Gehen wir morgen schwimmen? – Are we going swimming tomorrow?

Practice turning ten everyday statements into questions using the prompt generator. Write or speak each version and compare your answer with the model.

German Buddy’s Conversation mode lets you ask the AI a yes/no question and hear a natural reply, reinforcing the inversion pattern.

How can I ask a question with a question word (W‑question) in German?

When a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) is used, it occupies the first position, followed by the verb, then the subject and any other elements.

Examples:

1. Wo ist der Bahnhof? – Where is the train station?
2. Was machst du am Wochenende? – What are you doing this weekend?
3. Warum lernen wir Deutsch? – Why are we learning German?
4. Wie heißen Sie? – What is your name? (formal)
5. Welches Buch empfehlen Sie? – Which book do you recommend?

Notice the verb ist, machst, lernen, heißen, empfehlen all appear immediately after the question word.

For a list of the most useful question words with audio, visit our word‑of‑the‑day page.

German Buddy’s role‑play scenes let you practice these W‑questions in realistic dialogues, such as ordering food or asking for directions.

Practical steps to create your own German questions today

Follow this short routine and you’ll have a personal bank of 20 ready‑to‑use questions within 15 minutes.

1. Pick five everyday statements from a newspaper or a podcast transcript.
2. Rewrite each as a yes/no question by moving the verb to the front.
3. Choose three question words (wo, warum, wie) and turn three of the statements into W‑questions.
4. Record yourself speaking each question using the listen‑and‑repeat tool and note any awkward intonation.
5. Enter the same sentences into German Buddy’s Conversation mode; the AI will correct word order and suggest a more natural phrasing.

By the end of the routine you will have a mixed list of 13 questions you can use in real conversations.

How to practise question formation with German Buddy

German Buddy offers a free daily allowance that never expires, so you can keep sharpening your question skills without a subscription barrier. Start a 7‑day unlimited trial, then continue with one free practice session each day.

Use the start practising free link to create an account, select the “Questions” prompt set, and answer aloud. The app gives you a short tip—e.g., “Remember to place the verb before the subject in yes/no questions.”

FAQ

Can I ask a German question without changing word order?

No. In German the verb must move to the first (yes/no) or second (W‑question) position; otherwise the sentence is interpreted as a statement.

Do German questions always end with a question mark?

Yes, the punctuation mark is required in written German. In spoken language the rising intonation signals a question, but the question mark is still used in text.

Is it correct to use “du” and “Sie” interchangeably in questions?

Only if the context allows it. “Du” is informal, “Sie” is formal. Choose the form that matches your relationship with the listener.

How many question words are there in German?

German has six core W‑question words: wer, was, wo, wann, warum, wie. Each can be combined with articles or adjectives (e.g., welcher, wie viel).