German fixes the conjugated verb in position two of a main clause. If you open with a time expression instead of the subject, the verb keeps its slot and the subject moves behind it: Abends sehe ich fern. Only one element can stand before the verb.
Examples
- Abends sehe ich fern.
- In the evenings I watch television.
- Um elf Uhr gehe ich ins Bett.
- At eleven o'clock I go to bed.
- Nach dem Essen ruhe ich mich aus.
- After the meal I rest.
The mistake to avoid
Do not keep the English order: Abends ich sehe fern is wrong.
Where this fits in
Daily routines & habits, German A2: Talk about what you do every day, at what time, and how often. Reflexive verbs and frequency adverbs.