Word order & questions
In a statement, the conjugated verb is the second sentence element. A time phrase can take the first position. Yes/no questions begin with the verb; W-questions put the question word before it.
Understand the idea
In a normal German statement, the finite verb occupies the second sentence element. An element may contain several words. The subject does not have to come first: a time phrase, object or place phrase can occupy that position.
Build it step by step
Put one complete element first, then the finite verb, then the subject if it has not already appeared. Yes/no questions start with the finite verb. A W-question normally places its question expression first and the finite verb next. Additional infinitives, participles and separable prefixes form the far side of the sentence frame.
See it in a sentence
Which sentence asks “Are you coming today?”
Morgen lerne ich Deutsch.
A useful memory aid
Count sentence elements, not individual words. Heute Morgen is one time element, so the verb comes after the whole phrase.
A common trap
After moving a time expression to the front, do not leave the subject before the finite verb. German normally uses Heute lerne ich, not Heute ich lerne.