Complementizers and Finite Verbs in German Sentence Structure

In this paper, 1 we discuss a new approach to the analysis of the verb second phenomenon in German. The analysis builds on empirical generalizations previously studied in the GB framework. It accounts for the movement of nite verbs without lexical rules, traces or a feature inv(erted), and it eliminates the Head-Filler-Schema for unbounded dependencies. We show that a lexical theory of the elements at the left periphery of nite sentences allows natural empirical generalizations that phrase structure-based accounts and previous HPSG analyses have not been able to provide. 1 GB Approaches In many GB approaches to German syntax, a functional projection CP accounts for verb fronting (movement to C 0) in verb initial (V1) and verb second (V2) clauses. In verb nal clauses with a lexical complementizer (c-VF clauses), the complementizer is in C 0 position, thus preventing verb movement. In V2 clauses, an XP constituent moves to the speciier position of the CP (Spec-CP). Embedded w-clauses have a moved XP w-constituent which functions as a complementizer. They are always verb nal (w-VF) clauses. The four types of clauses are illustrated in (1) and are assigned the syntactic structure shown in gure 1. (1) a. daa Hans das Buch kauft that Hans the book buys that Hans buys the book b. kauft Hans das Buch buys Hans the book does Hans buy the book c. das Buch kauft Hans the book buys Hans Hans buys the book d. (ich weii nicht) was Hans kauft (I don't know) what Hans buys I don't know what Hans buys 1 We are very greatful to Thilo GG otz,