Learn Hardcore German: Manchmal lernen wir zusammen zu Hause.

In a German main clause, the finite verb must occupy the second position. Since Manchmal (an adverb) is fronted into the first position, lernen (the verb) comes next, and the subject wir follows.

What is the typical order of adverbials for time, manner and place in German?

The usual sequence is time – manner – place. Here Manchmal is time, zusammen is manner, and zu Hause is place. Even with Manchmal moved to the front, the remainder follows manner (zusammen) then place (zu Hause).

Why is there no article before Hause in zu Hause?

Zu Hause is a fixed locative expression using the preposition zu plus the noun Haus in dative without an article. It simply means at home.

Why is Haus capitalized and spelled Hause here?

All German nouns are capitalized. Hause is the dative form of Haus in this set expression, reflecting an older dative ending.

Is zu Hause always two words? What about zuhause?

Standard usage writes zu Hause as two words (preposition + noun). You may also see zuhause as one word when used purely as an adverb. As a noun, Zuhause (capitalized) means home in the sense of a place.

Why isn’t there a comma after Manchmal?

Short adverbials at the beginning of a German sentence do not require a comma. Commas are used for longer introductory phrases, subordinate clauses or lists, but not for a single-word adverb like Manchmal.

Can I say Manchmal lernen wir zu Hause zusammen instead of Manchmal lernen wir zusammen zu Hause?

Yes. Swapping the adverbials is grammatically possible if you want to emphasize the place. However, the unmarked, more natural order is manner (zusammen) before place (zu Hause) following the time–manner–place pattern.

When should I use zu Hause versus nach Hause?

Use zu Hause for being at home (static location): Wir sind zu Hause. Use nach Hause with verbs of motion to express going home: Wir gehen nach Hause.