Group 1: position zero, normal word order
These six words stand outside the sentence. After them, the sentence starts again as normal, with the verb second.
Group 2: slot 1, verb next
These are adverbs. When they fill slot 1, the verb comes straight after them and the subject moves behind the verb.
Group 3: the verb goes to the end
These words start a dependent clause, one that cannot stand alone. Its conjugated verb moves to the very end, and a comma separates it from the main clause.
Group 2 words can move; the others cannot
Group 2 words are adverbs: words that add information to the sentence, like “therefore” or “still” in English. An adverb does not have to stand first. It can also sit after the verb, and then the subject goes back to slot 1. Group 1 and group 3 words are conjunctions, pure joining words, and always open their clause. Group 3 is covered in depth in subordinate clauses. English works the same way, so it helps to compare with our guide to English transition words.
Two-part connectors: zwar … aber, je … desto
Some connectors come in pairs that frame the two halves of an idea. They are typical of B2 writing and speaking exams.
Why: Zwar concedes a point; aber then outweighs it.
Why: Entweder can stand outside the sentence, like group 1, so wir fahren keeps normal order.
Why: A more emphatic und: both items count equally.
Why: No nicht or kein is needed: weder … noch is already negative.
Why: Je works like weil, so übe goes to the end. Desto + comparative takes slot 1, so spreche follows at once.
A model paragraph: should cities ban cars?
A short argument using all three groups. Connectors are underlined in the gloss line; verbs are in red. Every word has its English meaning underneath.