Imperative sentences in Dutch are used to give commands, make requests, or offer suggestions. They are an essential part of everyday communication and can be used in various contexts, including formal and informal situations. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Dutch imperative sentences for beginners, including their structure, usage, and common examples.
Definition and Structure of Dutch Imperative Sentences
Dutch imperative sentences are statements that express commands or orders. They are usually formed by using the verb in the base form, also known as the infinitive form, without any subject pronouns. In Dutch, the imperative form can be used with both singular and plural subjects.
For example:
Kom hier! (Come here!)
Eet je groenten op! (Eat your vegetables!)
Praat langzamer! (Speak slower!)
It’s important to note that in Dutch, the subject pronoun “jij” (you) is often omitted in imperative sentences. However, if you want to emphasize the subject, you can include the pronoun.
Using Imperative Sentences in Different Contexts
Dutch imperative sentences are versatile and can be used in various contexts. Let’s explore some common situations where imperative sentences are frequently used.
a. Giving Commands:
Imperative sentences are commonly used to give commands or orders to someone.
Example:
Ga zitten. (Sit down.)
Sluit de deur. (Close the door.)
Betaal de rekening. (Pay the bill.)
b. Making Requests:
Imperative sentences can also be used to make requests, although they may sound more polite when combined with the word “alsjeblieft” (please).
Example:
Geef me het boek, alsjeblieft. (Give me the book, please.)
Help me even, alsjeblieft. (Help me for a moment, please.)
Bel me later, alsjeblieft. (Call me later, please.)
c. Offering Suggestions:
Imperative sentences can be used to offer suggestions or advice to someone.
Example:
Probeer het eens. (Try it.)
Neem een pauze. (Take a break.)
Kom langs bij ons. (Visit us.)
Irregularities in Dutch Imperative Sentences
While most Dutch verbs follow the regular pattern in imperative sentences, there are a few irregularities to be aware of. These irregularities involve changes in the verb forms.
a. Stem-Vowel Change:
Some verbs undergo a stem-vowel change in the imperative form. The vowel in the verb stem may change from “e” to “i” or “o” to “u.”
Example:
Zeggen (to say) → Zeg! (Say!)
Houden (to hold) → Hou! (Hold!)
Komen (to come) → Kom! (Come!)
b. Adding “Doe”:
In certain cases, the verb “doen” (to do) is added before the imperative form to express emphasis or urgency.
Example:
Doe de deur dicht. (Close the door.)
Doe je best. (Do your best.)
Doe het niet. (Don’t do it.)
Politeness and Tone in Imperative Sentences
Politeness and tone are essential considerations when using imperative sentences in Dutch. Depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and the listener, the tone can be adjusted to sound more polite or assertive.
a. Polite Imperatives:
To make imperative sentences more polite, you can add the word “alsjeblieft” (please) at the end.
Example:
Ga zitten, alsjeblieft. (Please, sit down.)
Doe de deur dicht, alsjeblieft. (Please, close the door.)
Kom hier, alsjeblieft. (Please, come here.)
b. Assertive Imperatives:
In some situations, imperative sentences need to convey a sense of authority or urgency. In such cases, the imperative can be used without additional polite phrases.
Example:
Stop! (Stop!)
Luister! (Listen!)
Vertrek direct! (Leave immediately!)
Negative Imperative Sentences
Negative imperative sentences in Dutch are formed by adding “niet” (not) after the imperative verb.
Example:
Doe het niet. (Don’t do it.)
Praat niet zo luid. (Don’t speak so loudly.)
Eet het niet op. (Don’t eat it.)
Conclusion
Dutch imperative sentences are a crucial aspect of the language for giving commands, making requests, and offering suggestions. By using the base form of the verb without subject pronouns, you can easily construct imperative sentences. Remember to consider politeness and tone when using imperatives, and be aware of any irregularities that may occur with certain verbs. With practice, you will become comfortable using imperative sentences in various contexts in Dutch conversations.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Complete the Dutch imperative sentence.
__ hier! (Come)
a) Kom
b) Ga
c) Doe
Answer: a) Kom
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “come” in Dutch is “Kom.” So the correct sentence is “Kom hier!” (Come here!)
Exercise 2:
Choose the appropriate Dutch imperative sentence for the given situation.
You want someone to close the window politely.
a) Sluit het raam.
b) Sluit alsjeblieft het raam.
c) Sluit snel het raam.
Answer: b) Sluit alsjeblieft het raam.
Explanation: When you want someone to close the window politely, you can use the imperative sentence “Sluit alsjeblieft het raam.” (Please close the window.)
Exercise 3:
Identify the irregularity in the following Dutch imperative sentence.
__ (To do) je best.
a) Doen
b) Doet
c) Doe
Answer: c) Doe
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “to do” in Dutch is “Doe.” So the correct sentence is “Doe je best.” (Do your best.)
Exercise 4: Choose the correct Dutch imperative sentence.
__ niet zo luid. (Speak)
a) Spreek
b) Praat
c) Praten
Answer: b) Praat
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “speak” in Dutch is “Praat.” So the correct sentence is “Praat niet zo luid.” (Don’t speak so loudly.)
Exercise 5:
Complete the Dutch imperative sentence.
__ naar huis. (Go)
a) Gaat
b) Ga
c) Gaa
Answer: b) Ga
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “go” in Dutch is “Ga.” So the correct sentence is “Ga naar huis.” (Go home.)
Exercise 6:
Choose the appropriate Dutch imperative sentence for the given situation.
You want someone to wait for a moment.
a) Wacht
b) Wacht even
c) Wachten
Answer: b) Wacht even
Explanation: When you want someone to wait for a moment, you can use the imperative sentence “Wacht even.” (Wait for a moment.)
Exercise 7:
Identify the negative Dutch imperative sentence.
__ hier! (Come)
a) Kom
b) Ga
c) Kom niet
Answer: c) Kom niet
Explanation: The negative imperative form of “come” in Dutch is “Kom niet.” So the correct sentence is “Kom niet hier!” (Don’t come here!)
Exercise 8:
Choose the correct Dutch imperative sentence.
__ met me. (Speak)
a) Spreek
b) Praat
c) Praten
Answer: b) Praat
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “speak” in Dutch is “Praat.” So the correct sentence is “Praat met me.” (Speak with me.)
Exercise 9:
Complete the Dutch imperative sentence.
__ het raam. (Close)
a) Sluit
b) Sluit af
c) Sluiten
Answer: a) Sluit
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “close” in Dutch is “Sluit.” So the correct sentence is “Sluit het raam.” (Close the window.)
Exercise 10:
Choose the appropriate Dutch imperative sentence for the given situation.
You want someone to stop immediately.
a) Stop
b) Stop meteen
c) Stop niet
Answer: b) Stop meteen
Explanation: When you want someone to stop immediately, you can use the imperative sentence “Stop meteen.” (Stop right away.)
Originally posted 2023-07-19 17:19:02.