Imperative
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
du: stem (+e); ihr: stem + t; Sie: infinitive + Sie.
How it works
The imperative gives commands, instructions and requests. The du-form usually drops the -st ending (Komm!), while the ihr-form keeps the verb with -t (Kommt!). The Sie-form reverses the verb and pronoun: Kommen Sie! Imperatives appear in recipes, signs, instructions and polite invitations.
When to use it
Give commands, instructions and requests, such as recipes, signs and polite invitations.
Use cases
- Giving instructions in recipes: Nimm zwei Eier
- Signs and notices: Bitte warten
- Polite requests with Sie: Setzen Sie sich bitte
Examples
- Komm! – Come!
- Kommen Sie! – Come (formal)!
- Schau mal! – Look!
- Seid bitte leise! – Please be quiet!
- Bitte nehmen Sie Platz. – Please take a seat. (formal)
Common mistake
Adding a pronoun to the du and ihr forms or forgetting Sie for polite commands.
Memory tip
du: Komm! (stem), ihr: Kommt! (stem + t), Sie: Kommen Sie! (infinitive + Sie).