@jlovegren's answer is complete, just wanted to add some points. Another possible reason for German to be mistaken for SOV is that *subordinate clauses* usually follow a SOV pattern. Ich weiß, daß ich ein Berliner bin. 'I know that I am a Berliner.' Usually, in subordinate clauses, the *conjugated* verb comes finally, whether there is another non-finite verb or not. Another point to make (after reading @Alenanno's comment) is that V2 doesn't necessarily even *look like* SOV, since V2 doesn't necessarily mean that the main meaning-conveying verb comes in a final position. For instance, Danish (and other Nordic languages AFAIK) are V2, but the main verb usually comes before the direct/indirect object. Peter ville give drengen bogen. Peter wanted-to give to-the-boy the-book. If e.g. the indirect object is brought to the head position, the conjugated verb is in 2nd position, but the direct object still comes after the main verb. Drengen ville Peter give bogen. To-the-boy wanted-to Peter give the-book.