Word order with time and place
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
Time before place in the middle field.
How it works
When a sentence has both a time phrase and a place phrase in the middle field, the usual order is time before place. This is sometimes summarised as TeKaMoLo, with the other elements in the order time, cause, manner and place. Changing the order is possible for emphasis but sounds unusual in neutral speech.
When to use it
Order time and place in the middle of a sentence when both are present.
Use cases
- Describing a trip: Ich fahre morgen nach Berlin
- Saying when and where you meet: Wir treffen uns am Montag im Café
- Writing narrative sentences in a logical order
Examples
- Ich fahre morgen nach Berlin – I travel to Berlin tomorrow
- Sie arbeitet jeden Tag im Büro. – She works in the office every day.
- Er kommt heute zu uns. – He is coming to us today.
- Wir essen abends in der Stadt. – We eat in town in the evening.
Common mistake
Putting the place before the time, which sounds unnatural in German.
Memory tip
Time comes before place, as in "Ich fahre morgen nach Berlin."