For example, if we have the verb machen (to do), the du imperative would be mach (as machst is the present tense conjugation of machen).
#Imperative german grammar how to#
How to Form a Sentence in the Imperative Mood The tense in the imperative mood is always the present tense, and is mostly used for “you” (Sie/du - second person formal and informal) and “you all” (ihr - second person plural), as a command/instruction can be given only to a second person and not to oneself, or a third person.
This will be explained below when we look at the syntax of imperative sentences. If you look at these sentences carefully, you’ll see that the verb is present in different forms of conjugation. Schlaft um 10! (Sleep at 10! - using ihr) Macht die Hausaufgaben! (Do the homework! - using ihr, or plural informal “you”)Įss dein Brot! (Eat your bread! - using du) Schließen Sie die Tür! (Close the door! - using Sie, or formal “you”) Geh ins Bett! (Go to bed! - using du, or informal “you”) The imperative mood is primarily used to give instructions or a command. The Imperative Mood When to Use the Imperative Mood
Notice that the verb denken (to think) is first in the sentence. In an interrogative statement, however, the verb stands conjugated in the first position.ĭenkst du, dass er sehr unhöflich ist? (Do you think that he is rude?) Notice that the verb denken (to think) is in the second position, following the subject. In a declarative statement, the verb comes after the subject. How to Form a Sentence in the Indicative Mood In short, the verb can be in any tense form in the indicative mood, as long as the sentence is expressing a fact, a question or an opinion. In the indicative mood, however, it’s also possible for the verb to take the past or future tense. Wann hast du Deutschunterricht? (When do you have German class?)įor simplicity, these examples are in the present tense. (I have German classes every day at 6 pm.) Ich habe jeden Tag um 18 Uhr Deutschunterricht. In both these sentences, the verb singen (to sing) takes the simple present form. This is also known as an interrogative statement. The second sentence, however, is a question. This is called a declarative statement-it’s declaring something (which is a fact). If you look at the first sentence, it’s simply stating a fact: that Joseph sings every day. Singt der Josef jeden Tag? (Does Joseph sing every day?) The purpose of the indicative mood is simply to make a statement of fact or to ask a question.ĭer Josef singt jeden Tag. The Indicative Mood When to Use the Indicative Mood Let’s Get Moody! The 3 German Moods and Their Uses 1. To be more precise, this form indicates whether what’s being expressed is a fact, a command, a wish or an uncertainty. In the case of German, what indicates a mood is the form of the verb in a sentence. The mood of a sentence can indicate a lot about the speaker’s intention, and hence gives pretty good insight into what the speaker means to say. (Download) What Are “Moods” in German, and Why Do I Need to Understand Them?
#Imperative german grammar pdf#
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that youĬlick here to get a copy. Right now we’re exploring grammatical moods.īefore you shout that that’s even worse, rest assured that we’re not going to do anything in this post to incur your wrath (or any other strong mood).īesides, moods are an essential part of German grammar.Īnd just like with the other kind of moods, understanding them is important to being able to express yourself. If you’re learning German, you better be!īut it’s okay if you don’t feel like discussing your personal feelings or tastes, because we’re not going to be talking about emotional or aesthetic moods right now. You know, like those created by intense people, cool art or striking German architecture? JGerman Moods Snapshots: Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive
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