German Grammar for Beginners: The Polite Imperative (Sie-Form)
Do you want to ask someone for help in Germany? Or maybe a doctor tells you to sit down? In German, we use the Imperativ (imperative mood) to give commands, making requests, or giving advice.
Today, we learn the formal and polite form: the Sie-Form. You use this with strangers, in shops, or with your boss.
How to Make the Polite Imperative
Making a polite command in German is very easy! You only need two steps:
-
Put the Verb at the start of the sentence.
-
Put the word Sie right after the verb.
Grammar Rule: Verb + Sie + rest of the sentence.
4 Easy Examples for Everyday Life
Here are some phrases you will hear and use often in Germany:
| German Command | English Translation |
| Sprechen Sie bitte langsam. | Please speak slowly. |
| Kommen Sie bitte mit. | Please come with me. |
| Trinken Sie einen Tee. | Drink a tea. |
| Schreiben Sie das bitte auf. | Please write that down. |
The Power of “Bitte”
Germans love politeness! Always add the word bitte (please) to your command. Without bitte, your sentence can sound a bit rude.
-
Example: Hören Sie zu! (Listen!) $\rightarrow$ Hören Sie bitte zu! (Please listen!)
A1 Vocabulary Check
-
Der Imperativ — The command form
-
Bitte — Please
-
Langsam — Slowly
-
Formal — Polite / Official