A2 Dutch GrammarImperative (Commands)
Learn to give commands and instructions in Dutch using the imperative mood. Master informal, formal, and plural command forms, including softening expressions for polite requests.
1Forming the Imperative
The Dutch imperative is formed from the verb stem (infinitive minus -en). For informal singular commands, use just the stem. This simple form is used for direct commands, instructions, and recipes. No subject pronoun is needed.
Imperative Formation
| Infinitive | Stem | Imperative | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| komen | kom | Kom! | Come! |
| lezen | lees | Lees! | Read! |
| wachten | wacht | Wacht! | Wait! |
| gaan | ga | Ga! | Go! |
| zijn | wees | Wees! | Be! |
Examples
Kom hier!
Come here!
basic command with stem 'kom'
Lees dit boek.
Read this book.
instruction using stem 'lees'
Wacht even.
Wait a moment.
'even' softens the command
Wees voorzichtig!
Be careful!
'wees' = irregular imperative of 'zijn'
2Formal and Plural Imperatives
For formal commands (u) or plural commands (jullie), add the subject pronoun after the verb. The formal imperative with 'u' is more polite and respectful. For very formal situations, you can also use the infinitive form.
Formal and Plural Forms
| Type | Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informal (jij) | stem | Kom! | Come! |
| Formal (u) | stem + u | Komt u! | Come! (formal) |
| Plural (jullie) | stem | Kom! | Come! (you all) |
| Very formal | infinitive | Niet roken. | No smoking. |
Examples
Gaat u zitten, alstublieft.
Please sit down. (formal)
'gaat u' = formal imperative
Komt u binnen.
Please come in. (formal)
formal with 'u' after verb
Luister goed, kinderen!
Listen carefully, children!
plural imperative (same as singular)
Rechts aanhouden.
Keep right.
infinitive for signs/instructions
3Negative Commands
Negative commands tell someone not to do something. Simply add 'niet' after the verb (or after the object if there is one). For strong prohibitions, place 'niet' directly after the verb.
Negative Imperatives
| Positive | Negative | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kom! | Kom niet! | Don't come! |
| Doe het! | Doe het niet! | Don't do it! |
| Rook! | Rook niet! | Don't smoke! |
| Vergeet het! | Vergeet het niet! | Don't forget it! |
Examples
Doe dat niet!
Don't do that!
'niet' after the object
Maak je geen zorgen.
Don't worry.
'geen' for negating nouns
Raak het niet aan!
Don't touch it!
separable verb in imperative
Vergeet niet te bellen.
Don't forget to call.
'niet' with infinitive clause
4Softening Commands
Dutch commands can sound harsh, so softening words are often added for politeness. Common softeners include 'even' (just), 'eens' (just), 'maar' (just), and 'alsjeblieft/alstublieft' (please). These make requests more friendly and less demanding.
Softening Expressions
| Word | Meaning | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| even | just (a moment) | Wacht even. | Just wait. |
| eens | just (try) | Kijk eens. | Just look. |
| maar | just (go ahead) | Ga maar. | Just go. |
| alsjeblieft | please (informal) | Help me alsjeblieft. | Please help me. |
Examples
Geef me even die pen.
Just give me that pen.
'even' makes it a casual request
Probeer eens deze kaas.
Just try this cheese.
'eens' suggests encouragement
Ga maar naar huis.
Just go home.
'maar' gives permission/encouragement
Helpt u mij alstublieft?
Would you please help me?
formal polite request