Learn Hardcore German: Zunächst koche ich Tee, danach lese ich ein Buch.

Zunächst is an adverb meaning “firstly,” “to begin with,” or “first of all.” Placing it at the start signals that the action koche ich Tee happens before anything else. It also sets the sequence and, by being first, triggers the verb-second word order in the clause.

Why is the finite verb koche placed before the subject ich in the first clause?

German main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule: the finite verb must be the second element. Here, Zunächst is element one, so koche comes next, and ich follows in third position.

What’s the function of the comma before danach? Is it mandatory?

The comma separates two independent main clauses: Zunächst koche ich Tee and danach lese ich ein Buch. According to German orthography, a comma between main clauses without a conjunction is optional—but many writers include it for clarity, especially when the second clause starts with an adverb.

Why does danach start the second clause, and how is it different from dann or anschließend?

Danach means “after that” and, when placed first, emphasizes the sequence of events. Like Zunächst, it triggers V2 word order (verb before subject). You can also use dann (“then,” more colloquial) or anschließend (“subsequently,” slightly more formal) to express a similar sequence.

Why is the finite verb lese placed before ich in the second clause?

It’s the same V2 rule at work. The first element in the clause is danach, so the finite verb lese occupies the second position and the subject ich follows.

Why is ein Buch in the accusative case? How do I recognize accusative here?

Lesen is a transitive verb that takes a direct object in the accusative. Ein Buch (neuter) looks the same in nominative and accusative, but if it were masculine, you’d see einen (accusative) vs. ein (nominative). The presence of an object after a transitive verb signals accusative.

Can I omit the subject ich in German like in English? For example: Zunächst koche Tee.

No, standard German normally requires the subject in main clauses. Unlike English, you don’t drop the pronoun. In very casual speech you might hear it, but in writing and formal speech you should include ich.

Why is the sentence in the present tense when it describes a sequence of actions rather than a habitual routine?

In German (as in English), the present tense often describes current or future actions in sequence. It can convey what you habitually do (“When I get home, I make tea, then I read”) or what you are about to do (“First I’ll make tea, then I’ll read”). Context clarifies the timing.

Could I use the future tense instead of the present here? If so, how would it look?

Yes. You can form the future tense with werden:
Zunächst werde ich Tee kochen, danach werde ich ein Buch lesen.
However, German frequently prefers the simple present when the future time frame is clear from context.