Clause types

In German, there are five clause types:

Clauses can be classified in terms of form and meaning. Form deals with syntax, grammar and intonation. Semantics deal with the intention of the speaker to convey a certain meaning. For example, if someone wants to express affirmation, a declarative clause is formed; if someone wants to express an order, an imperative clause is formed.

However, one must point out that, in terms of communication, meaning can be expressed with more than one types of clauses. For example, a question can be expressed not only with an interrogative clause but also with a declarative clause.