Learn the German Imperative Easily with Examples and a Free Quiz

What is the German Imperative?

The German imperative is a verb mood used to give commands, instructions, or requests. It is essential for everyday conversations, whether you're giving directions, making suggestions, or offering advice. The imperative is primarily used in the following forms:

• 2^nd person singular (du) – informal singular "you"
• 2^nd person plural (ihr) – informal plural "you all"
• Formal form (Sie) – formal "you" (singular and plural)
• 1^st person plural (wir) – "we"

In imperative sentences, the verb typically stands at the first position. The subject pronoun is often omitted in the informal forms but included in the formal and first-person plural forms.

How to Form the German Imperative

Forming the German imperative varies depending on the pronoun used. Below is a detailed guide for each form.

1. Imperative for du (Informal Singular "You")

To form the imperative for du:

1. Start with the verb stem (infinitive minus "-en" or "-n").
2. If the verb stem ends with "-d," "-t," or "-g," add "-e" at the end.
3. Omit the pronoun du in the sentence.

Examples:

Note: The "-e" at the end is often optional and more common in written or formal spoken German.

2. Imperative for ihr (Informal Plural "You All")

To form the imperative for ihr:

1. Use the same form as the present tense ihr conjugation.
2. Omit the pronoun ihr in the sentence.

Examples:

3. Imperative for Sie (Formal "You")

To form the imperative for Sie:

1. Use the infinitive form of the verb.
2. Place the pronoun Sie after the verb.

Examples:

• Gehen Sie! – Go!
• Kommen Sie! – Come!
• Arbeiten Sie! – Work!
• Reden Sie! – Speak!

4. Imperative for wir ("We")

To form the imperative for wir:

1. Use the infinitive form of the verb.
2. Place the pronoun wir after the verb.

Examples:

• Gehen wir! – Let's go!
• Kommen wir! – Let's come!
• Arbeiten wir! – Let's work!
• Reden wir! – Let's speak!

Note: The imperative with wir is less common. Often, Germans use "Lass uns..." instead.

Imperative with Reflexive Verbs

When using reflexive verbs in the imperative, place the reflexive pronoun after the verb.

Examples:

• Setz dich! – Sit down! (informal singular)
• Setzt euch! – Sit down! (informal plural)
• Setzen Sie sich! – Please sit down! (formal)

Irregular Verbs in the Imperative

Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative. Here are some common ones:

Note: Pay special attention to stem-changing verbs like "geben" where "e" changes to "i" in the du form.

Negating Imperative Sentences

To make a negative command, use "nicht" after the imperative verb.

Examples:

• Geh nicht! – Don't go!
• Esst nicht so schnell! – Don't eat so fast!
• Sprechen Sie nicht so laut! – Please don't speak so loudly!

Examples of the German Imperative in Use

Here are some practical examples to illustrate how the imperative is used in everyday situations:

1. Mach die Tür zu! – Close the door! (informal singular)
2. Hört gut zu! – Listen carefully! (informal plural)
3. Lesen Sie den Text! – Read the text! (formal)
4. Fangen wir an! – Let's begin!
5. Sei vorsichtig! – Be careful! (informal singular)
6. Nimm einen Keks! – Take a cookie! (informal singular)
7. Bringt eure Bücher mit! – Bring your books along! (informal plural)
8. Schauen Sie mal! – Have a look! (formal)
9. Vergiss nicht! – Don't forget! (informal singular)
10. Bleiben Sie ruhig! – Stay calm! (formal)

Practice with Our German Imperative Quiz

Ready to test your understanding of the German imperative? Practice with our interactive quiz and reinforce what you've learned.

Take the German Imperative Quiz Now

Conclusion

Mastering the German imperative is a significant step towards fluency. It enables you to give commands, make requests, and interact more naturally in German. Remember to pay attention to the verb forms and pronouns used for each case.

Practice regularly with exercises, speak with native speakers, and don't hesitate to use the imperative in your daily conversations. With time and practice, you'll become confident in using this essential aspect of German grammar.