Imperativ (Commands)

What is the imperative?

The imperative is the command form in German.

You use it to ask someone, tell someone to do something, warn someone, give advice, or give instructions.

The imperative can be polite or direct, depending on the situation.

Example:

Komm mit!

Come with me!

When do you use the imperative?

You use the imperative

• when you ask someone to do something.

• when you tell someone what to do.

• when you give advice.

• when you give instructions.

• when you warn someone.

Why do you use the imperative?

The imperative makes a sentence direct.

Instead of saying:

“You should come.”

you can simply say:

“Come!”

This makes the sentence shorter and more natural.

Anstatt zu sagen:

„Du solltest kommen.“

kann man einfach sagen:

„Komm!“

Dadurch klingt der Satz kürzer und natürlicher.

How do you form the imperative?

There are three important forms:

For du

→ Use the verb without -st.

Examples:

Komm!

Geh!

Warte!

For ihr

→ Use the present tense form without ihr.

Examples:

Kommt!

Geht!

For Sie (formal)

→ Verb + Sie

Examples:

Kommen Sie!

Warten Sie!

Easy rule

The imperative is used when speaking directly to someone.

Komm nach Italien!

Come to Italy!

Ruf mich heute Abend an!

Call me tonight!

Warte hier!

Wait here!

Steig ins Auto ein!

Get into the car!

Vergiss deinen Reisepass nicht!

Don’t forget your passport!

Pack deinen Koffer und komm nach Italien!

Pack your suitcase and come to Italy!

Mach viele Fotos in Australien und schick sie mir!

Take lots of photos in Australia and send them to me!

Hol mich morgen vom Flughafen ab!

Pick me up from the airport tomorrow!

Genieß unsere Zeit zusammen und denk nicht an die Entfernung!

Enjoy our time together and don’t think about the distance!

Plane schon unseren nächsten Urlaub und such ein schönes Hotel aus!

Start planning our next holiday and choose a nice hotel!