Topological fields

For each of the three word order types, we distinguish a frame which, based on the predicate, divides the sentence into three fields.

In the first word order type, the finite verb form and the predicate arguments build the sentence frame. The following fields are distinguished:

1. The Prefield (Vorfeld), i.e. the field before the finite verb form,

 
2. the Middlefield (Mittelfeld), the field between the finite verb form and the other predicate arguments,

 
3. the Postfield (Nachfeld), i.e. the field after the other predicate arguments.

Likewise, in the second word order type the finite verb form and the predicate arguments build the sentence frame. The following fields are distinguished:

1. the Middlefield (Mittelfeld), i.e. the field between the finite verb form and the other predicate arguments,

2. the Postfield (Nachfeld), i.e. the field after the other predicate arguments.

In the third word order type, the subordinating conjunction and the predicate build the sentence frame. The following fields are distinguished:

1. the Middlefield (Mittelfeld), i.e. the field between the subordinating conjunction and the predicate,

2. the Postfield (Nachfeld), i.e. the field after the predicate.