A2 Danish GrammarImperative (Commands)
Learn to give commands and instructions in Danish using the imperative mood. Understand how to form commands from the verb stem, use polite forms with 'vær venlig at', and master common everyday imperatives for giving directions, instructions, and requests.
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1Forming the Imperative
The Danish imperative is formed by using the verb stem (infinitive without 'at' and usually without the final -e). For most verbs, simply remove the -e from the infinitive. Some short verbs already have no -e to remove. The imperative is the same for singular and plural addressees.
Imperative Formation
| Infinitive | Stem/Imperative | English |
|---|---|---|
| at komme | kom | come! |
| at spise | spis | eat! |
| at læse | læs | read! |
| at gå | gå | go! |
Examples
Kom her!
Come here!
komme → kom
Spis din mad!
Eat your food!
spise → spis
Vent lidt!
Wait a moment!
vente → vent
Gå hjem nu!
Go home now!
'gå' has no -e to remove
2Irregular Imperatives
A few common verbs have irregular imperative forms. The most important are: 'være' (be) → 'vær', 'have' (have) → 'hav'. Some verbs like 'se' (see) and 'gøre' (do) simply use their stem without changes.
Irregular Imperatives
| Infinitive | Imperative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| at være | vær | Vær stille! |
| at have | hav | Hav tålmodighed! |
| at se | se | Se her! |
| at gøre | gør | Gør det nu! |
Examples
Vær forsigtig!
Be careful!
Irregular: være → vær
Hav en god dag!
Have a good day!
Irregular: have → hav
Se på mig!
Look at me!
se → se (no change)
Gør dit bedste!
Do your best!
gøre → gør
3Negative Commands
Negative commands are formed by placing 'lad være med at' (don't) before the infinitive, or simply 'ikke' before or after the imperative. 'Lad være med at' is more emphatic and common. Short forms with 'ikke' are more direct and casual.
Negative Command Forms
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Lad være med at + inf | Lad være med at gå! |
| Short/direct | V + ikke | Gå ikke! |
| Short/casual | Ikke + V | Ikke gå! |
| With object | V + ikke + obj | Rør det ikke! |
Examples
Lad være med at røre!
Don't touch!
Standard negative with 'lad være med at'
Gør det ikke!
Don't do it!
'ikke' after the verb
Tal ikke så højt!
Don't talk so loudly!
'ikke' after imperative
Lad være med at bekymre dig!
Don't worry!
Reflexive verb in negative
4Polite Commands and Requests
To make commands more polite, use 'vær venlig at' (please/be so kind as to), 'vil du godt' (would you), or add 'tak' (thanks) at the end. Questions with modal verbs are often used instead of direct imperatives for politeness.
Polite Forms
| Form | Danish | English |
|---|---|---|
| Please + verb | Vær venlig at vente | Please wait |
| Would you | Vil du godt åbne? | Would you open? |
| Verb + please | Kom ind, tak | Come in, please |
| Could you | Kan du hjælpe mig? | Can you help me? |
Examples
Vær venlig at sætte dig ned.
Please sit down.
'Vær venlig at' = please
Vil du godt lukke døren?
Would you close the door?
Polite request as question
Ræk mig saltet, tak.
Pass me the salt, please.
'tak' softens the command
Kan du sige det igen?
Can you say that again?
Modal verb for polite request
Practice Exercises
4 exercises
What is the imperative of 'at komme' (to come)?
Complete: '___ forsigtig!' (Be careful!)
Complete: '___ din mad!' (Eat your food!)
Complete: '___ mig se på din hals.' (Let me look at your throat.)
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
“Tag venligst din laptop og væsker ud af tasken.”
“'Gå lige ud, drej så til venstre ved kirken', sagde hun.”
“Lad mig se i halsen. Sig a.”
“'Vær venlig at tage plads og fortæl mig mere om din bil,' sagde hr. Thompson, da han satte sig bag sit skrivebord.”
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