Master the Imperative (Command)
An essential structure for B1 proficiency.
Ready to practice?
Jump straight into interactive exercises with this structure.
How it works
The Imperative: Be Bossy!
When you want to give a command, advice, or instruction, you use the Imperative. It's short, direct, and efficient.
The Rule: Drop the Subject
Start with the Verb Stem and... stop there. Don't add a subject (no jij, no u).
Formula: [Verb Stem] + [Rest] !
Examples
- To a friend: Ga weg! (Go away!)
- At the table: Eet je bord leeg. (Eat your plate empty.)
- In class: Luister goed. (Listen well.)
Politeness (Making it softer)
Dutch imperatives can sound very rude to English ears. To soften the blow, add the magic word: even (just/briefly) or maar (just/go ahead).
- Kom hier! (Come here! - Angry/Strict) 😠
- Kom even hier. (Come here a sec. - Friendly) 🙂
- Ga maar zitten. (Go ahead and sit down. - Welcoming) 🪑
Pro Tip 💡
The verb form is always the Stem (the shortest form), even if you are talking to a group of people.
- Jongens, luister goed! (Guys, listen well!)
Example Sentences
Ruim je kamer op, lieve zoon!
Clean up your room, dear son!
Onthoud deze verandering!
Remember this change!
Ga de straat over bij het stoplicht!
Cross the street at the traffic light!
Voeg meer zuurstof aan het aquarium toe!
Add more oxygen to the aquarium!
Verhoog het gewicht bij de volgende oefening!
Increase the weight for the next exercise!