Grammar Modules
0/72
What is the Imperative Mood?
The imperative mood is used to give commands, make requests, or offer invitations. In Dutch, we often use the imperative to tell someone to do something.
How to Form the Imperative
To form the imperative, you usually take the verb stem (the basic form of the verb without -en) and use it as the command.
Examples:
- Kom! (Come!)
- Neem! (Take!)
- Luister! (Listen!)
- Zeg het! (Say it!)
Using ‘Jij’ or ‘U’
When using ‘jij’ (you) or ‘u’ (formal you), you often leave out the subject.
Examples:
- Jij moet komen. (You must come.) ➔ Kom! (Come!)
- U moet luisteren. (You (formal) must listen.) ➔ Luister! (Listen!)
Negative Imperative
To make a negative command, use niet before the verb.
Examples:
- Ga niet! (Don’t go!)
- Drink niet! (Don’t drink!)
Polite Requests
To make polite requests, you can use ‘alstublieft’ (please) at the end of the sentence.
Examples:
- Kom, alstublieft! (Please come!)
- Geef die boek, alstublieft. (Please give that book.)