Chapter 23: Imperative & Personal Pronouns
Introduction
In this chapter, we continue exploring the imperative mood and how personal pronouns interact with commands. Personal pronouns in German are crucial because they help identify who is being addressed, and in commands, this relationship changes slightly. Learning how to combine imperatives with personal pronouns enables you to form clearer, more precise requests and instructions in everyday conversation.
Understanding how to use and omit pronouns with the imperative is key to mastering natural German communication.
Vocabulary
| German Pronoun | English Translation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| ich | I | Ich gehe. (I go.) |
| du | you (singular informal) | Du gehst. (You go.) |
| er / sie / es | he / she / it | Er spricht. (He speaks.) |
| wir | we | Wir gehen. (We go.) |
| ihr | you (plural informal) | Ihr geht. (You all go.) |
| sie (lowercase) | they | Sie arbeiten. (They work.) |
| Sie (uppercase) | you (formal singular/plural) | Sie sind freundlich. (You are friendly.) |
Theory & Grammar
Recap: Imperative Forms
| Person | Imperative Form | Example (gehen) |
|---|---|---|
| du | Verb stem only | Geh! (Go!) |
| ihr | Present ihr form | Geht! (Go! [plural]) |
| Sie | Infinitive + Sie | Gehen Sie! (Go! [formal]) |
Personal Pronouns & Imperative
- In imperative sentences, personal pronouns are usually omitted because the verb form itself indicates the subject.
- However, pronouns are used for emphasis or clarification, especially in longer or more complex sentences.
Using Personal Pronouns for Emphasis
| Person | With Pronoun | Without Pronoun | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| du | Du, geh jetzt! | Geh jetzt! | Emphasizes the person being addressed |
| ihr | Ihr, hört zu! | Hört zu! | Adds clarity or force |
| Sie | Sie, kommen Sie bitte! | Kommen Sie bitte! | Formal emphasis |
Position of Pronouns in Imperative Sentences
-
When used, pronouns come at the beginning for emphasis: Du, komm her! Ihr, macht das! Sie, warten Sie bitte!
-
Otherwise, the imperative verb is typically the first word: Komm! Macht das! Warten Sie!
Imperative + Object Pronouns (Direct/Indirect)
- If the command contains an object pronoun, it usually comes after the verb: Hilf mir! (Help me!) Gebt mir das Buch! (Give me the book!) Erklären Sie uns den Weg! (Explain the way to us!)
Usage & Context
-
In informal conversations with friends and family, omitting pronouns makes commands shorter and more natural: Komm! (Come!) instead of Du, komm!
-
In formal or polite requests, including the pronoun emphasizes respect and politeness: Sie, könnten Sie mir helfen? (You, could you help me?)
-
When giving commands to groups, using ihr pronouns adds clarity: Ihr, hört gut zu! (You all, listen carefully!)
Practical Examples
Dialogue 1: Emphasis with Pronouns
- A: Gehst du jetzt?
- B: Ja, aber du, warte bitte!
Dialogue 2: Commands with Object Pronouns
- A: Kannst du mir helfen?
- B: Ja, ich helfe dir!
Dialogue 3: Formal Request
- A: Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte folgen?
- B: Natürlich, ich komme!
Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks using the correct imperative form and decide whether to use the pronoun for emphasis:
- ___ (du) ___ (kommen) bitte hier!
- ___ (ihr) ___ (machen) das Fenster zu!
- ___ (Sie) ___ (warten) einen Moment!
- ___ (du) ___ (helfen) mir!
- ___ (ihr) ___ (hören) gut zu!
2. Translate the sentences into German with emphasis:
- You, listen carefully! (informal plural)
- You, please come here! (formal singular)
- Help me! (informal singular)
- Wait, please! (formal)
- You, do your homework! (informal singular)
3. Rewrite the following commands adding personal pronouns for emphasis:
- Geh jetzt!
- Macht die Tür zu!
- Kommen Sie bitte mit!
Flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you usually include personal pronouns in German imperatives? | No, they are usually omitted. |
| How do you emphasize the person addressed in an imperative? | Add the personal pronoun at the beginning. |
| Where do object pronouns go in an imperative sentence? | After the verb. |
| Give the imperative form of helfen with du + pronoun mir. | Hilf mir! |
| How do you form the polite imperative with Sie? | Infinitive + Sie |
Workbook (Summary & Practice)
Key Points
- Imperative forms reflect the person addressed; pronouns are usually omitted.
- Pronouns can be added at the start for emphasis.
- Object pronouns come after the imperative verb.
- Formal Sie imperative includes the pronoun and verb infinitive.
Practice
- Write 3 imperatives without pronouns.
- Write 3 imperatives adding pronouns for emphasis.
- Make 3 commands including direct or indirect object pronouns.
- Translate 5 English imperative sentences focusing on pronoun use.
Multimedia Resources
-
YouTube:
-
Websites:
Speaking Help
- Practice emphasizing commands by including pronouns aloud.
- Roleplay commands with friends, alternating between including and omitting pronouns.
- Record yourself to improve natural rhythm when switching between informal and formal imperatives.
Cultural Notes (Optional)
- Using pronouns for emphasis can sound forceful or even rude if overdone; use sparingly.
- German speakers tend to prefer short, direct commands in informal settings.
- Politeness is conveyed more often by tone and bitte than pronoun emphasis in formal contexts.
Review Section
Quiz
- When are personal pronouns usually included in imperatives?
- How do object pronouns behave in imperative sentences?
- Translate: You (plural), listen! with emphasis.
- Give the polite imperative form of helfen.
- Where do pronouns appear in imperative sentences when used for emphasis?
Key Takeaways
- Imperatives usually omit personal pronouns but include them for emphasis.
- Object pronouns follow the imperative verb.
- Formal commands always include Sie after the verb infinitive.
- Mastery of pronoun usage in commands improves clarity and politeness.