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In reply to the discussion: Does anyone have any tips about learning a new language? [View all]bobbieinok
(12,858 posts)English--I want to buy the book.
English--I have bought the book.
The verb expression has 2 parts--want to buy and have bought
German puts the 1st part in the verb 2nd position and the 2nd part at the end of the sentence.
Eg, I WANT the book TO BUY
and I HAVE the book BOUGHT
German sentences
Ich WILL das Buch KAUFEN.
and Ich HABE das Buch GEKAUFT.
This verb arrangement means you have to pay attention all the way to the end of the sentence.
Eg, I WANT the book TO BUY.
Or I WANT the book TO SELL
Or I WANT the book TO READ
One student suggested this sentence structure trains Germans to be thorough; they don't stop paying attention part way through a job. He said maybe this helps explain why 'made in Germany' is considered to be a mark of excellence.