The word order differences between English and German are due to these languages belonging to entirely different categories of language — analytic and inflected, respectively.
English uses very rigid word order because it must, in lieu of other grammar components which were erased from the language over the centuries.
But German has relatively flexible word order because it can — certain grammar elements, i.e. the case system & declensions, make that possible!
So, what is word order exactly and how does it function in English vs. German?
Read the Word Order guide here.