The imperative

What the Imperative Is (and When to Use It)

The Imperativ is the German form for commands, instructions, and invitations.

• Direct instruction: Komm! (Come!)
• Polite request: Kommen Sie bitte. (Please come.)
• General rule / sign: Bitte nicht rauchen. (Please don’t smoke.)

The Core Rule: Verb First

In imperative sentences, the verb is in position 1 (the very beginning).

Tip: In real life, German often uses bitte to soften a command: Komm bitte.

How to Build Each Form (Step by Step)

1. Step 1: Choose the “person” (du / ihr / Sie / neutral rule).

2. Step 2: Build the verb form using the quick rules below.

3. Step 3: Add details (time, place, object): um acht Uhr, von der U-Bahn, etc.

Typical Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)

• Mistake: using the infinitive for du/ihr

  Fix: Gehen! → Geh! (du) / Geht! (ihr)

• Mistake: forgetting Sie in formal commands

  Fix: Kommen bitte um neun. → Kommen Sie bitte um neun.

• Mistake: using kein instead of nicht for “Don’t …”

  Fix: Bitte nicht telefonieren. (not: Bitte kein telefonieren)

Negatives: “Don’t …” in German

For general prohibitions and signs, German commonly uses:

• Bitte nicht + Infinitiv: Bitte nicht laut telefonieren!
• Nicht + Infinitiv (more direct): Nicht rauchen!

Remember: This is different from a normal sentence with a conjugated verb. Here you often keep the infinitive.

The Common Exception: Vowel Change in “du” Imperative

Some verbs change the vowel in the du imperative. You have to learn these as fixed forms.

Practical tip: If your book or teacher highlights a special imperative form (like Sieh!), memorize it as a phrase.

Self-Check: Which Form Do I Need?

1. Who am I talking to?

   • One person, informal → du
   • Several people, informal → ihr
   • Customer / stranger / professional setting → Sie
   • Rule for everyone (sign) → Bitte nicht + infinitive

2. Is my verb regular? If yes: build it with the table rules.

3. Is there a special “du” form? (like siehst → sieh) If yes: use it.