Grammar
The Imperative
Dutch commands are formed from the verb stem — the infinitive minus -en. The same form works for singular and plural informal commands.
Kom hier! — Come here!
Werk harder! — Work harder!
Wees voorzichtig! — Be careful! (irregular)
The imperative is the verb stem — the same as the ik-form in the present tense.
Werk harder! — Work harder!
Wees voorzichtig! — Be careful! (irregular)
The imperative is the verb stem — the same as the ik-form in the present tense.
1. Basic formation: the verb stem
Strip -en from the infinitive. That is your imperative. For most verbs it also equals the ik-form.
Spelling note: Some verbs change spelling in the stem. schrijven → schrijf (v → f), leven → leef (v → f). This is the same voicing change as in other conjugations.
2. Irregular imperatives
A handful of verbs have irregular imperative forms that must be memorised.
3. Formal imperative (u)
For polite or formal commands, add -t to the verb stem and place u directly after.
4. Separable verbs
With separable verbs, use the stem in position 1 and send the prefix to the end — exactly like a main clause.
5. Negative imperative
To say "don't", put niet (or geen before a noun) after the verb.
Ga niet! Don't go!
Kom niet! Don't come!
Ruim niet op! Don't tidy up! (separable)
Maak je geen zorgen! Don't worry! (geen + noun)
Schreeuw niet! Don't shout!
Doe dat niet! Don't do that!
6. Softeners and reflexive imperatives
On signs and written notices, Dutch uses niet + infinitive: Niet roken (No smoking), Niet parkeren (No parking), Niet aanraken (Do not touch).
