Imperative - German

Using the Imperative in German

The imperative is used to give commands, make requests, or offer instructions. In German, the verb form you use depends on who you are talking to: one person you know well (du-form), several people you know well (ihr-form), or formally to one or more people (Sie-form). Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative, especially strong verbs.

Addressing One Person Informally (du-Form)

For most verbs, the “du” form of the imperative drops the pronoun and uses the verb stem.

• Mach die Tür zu! (Close the door!)
• Komm her! (Come here!)
• Lauf schneller! (Run faster!)

If the verb stem ends in -d, -t, -ig or a cluster, add an -e (usually optional in spoken language, but used in writing): * Arbeite leise! (Work quietly!)

With some strong (irregular) verbs, the stem vowel may change:

• Iss das! (Eat this!)
• Nimm das Buch! (Take the book!)
• Schlaf gut! (Sleep well!)
• Vergiss nicht! (Don't forget!)
• Lies das Buch! (Read the book!)
• Sprich bitte langsamer! (Speak more slowly!)
• Schreib den Brief! (Write the letter!)
• Zieh die Jacke an! (Put on your jacket!)
• Schließ das Fenster! (Close the window!)
• Steh auf! (Stand up!)
• Trink Wasser! (Drink water!)

Addressing Several People Informally (ihr-Form)

Just use the normal “ihr” verb form and drop the pronoun:

• Macht die Hausaufgaben! (Do the homework!)
• Kommt mit! (Come along!)
• Lauft nicht! (Don't run!)
• Lest leise! (Read quietly!)
• Esst das Gemüse! (Eat the vegetables!)

Addressing Formally (Sie-Form)

Use the Sie form of the verb, keep the pronoun “Sie”, and invert verb and pronoun:

• Arbeiten Sie härter! (Work harder!)
• Kommen Sie bitte hierher! (Please come here!)
• Lesen Sie den Text! (Read the text!)
• Trinken Sie den Tee! (Drink the tea!)

Example Table: Imperative Forms for "lesen" (to read)

Sample Imperative Phrases

• Vergiss deine Schlüssel nicht!
• Schreib mir eine Nachricht!
• Nimm den Bus!

The imperative is direct, so the subject is not stated except in the Sie-form where “Sie” must come after the verb.