Commands and the Imperative in German: A Clear Guide
The imperative in German is used to give commands or instructions. It can be formed for both informal and formal situations. Understanding how to use the imperative correctly is essential for effective communication.
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The rule
To form the imperative for the informal 'du', use the verb stem without the 'du'. For the formal 'Sie', use the verb in the infinitive form followed by 'Sie'. For the plural 'ihr', use the verb stem plus 't'. To make negative commands, simply add 'nicht' after the verb in the imperative form.
Commands and the Imperative at a glance
| Form | Imperative |
|---|---|
| Informal (du) | Mach! |
| Formal (Sie) | Machen Sie! |
| Plural (ihr) | Macht! |
Imperative forms of the verb 'machen' (to do/make)
Examples you can say out loud
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Frequently asked questions
How do I form a negative command in German?
To form a negative command, place 'nicht' after the verb in the imperative form.