Learn Hardcore German: Endlich scheint die Sonne.

In German main clauses the finite verb must occupy the second position. Here endlich (an adverb) stands first, so scheint (the verb) comes second and the subject die Sonne follows.

What exactly does endlich mean, and why can it appear at the very beginning?

Endlich is a temporal adverb meaning finally. German allows time adverbs to be fronted for emphasis. Placing endlich at the start stresses relief or impatience that something long-awaited is now happening.

Why do we say die Sonne instead of just Sonne?

German common nouns generally require an article or determiner in normal sentences. Sonne is feminine, so the nominative singular article is die. English weather expressions sometimes drop “the,” but German grammar does not.

How do we know Sonne is feminine and in the nominative case?

Dictionaries list Sonne as a feminine noun. As the subject of scheint, Sonne takes the nominative case, which for feminine nouns uses die.

Can we also say Die Sonne scheint endlich, and does that change the meaning?