Imperative Mood (Commands) (A1)

The imperative is used to give commands or instructions.

How to form it:

• Singular / Informal Plural (to one person, or a group you use jullie with):
• Use the verb stem (the ik form of the present tense).
• Verb: komen (to come) -> Stem: kom -> Command: Kom! (Come!)
• Verb: wachten (to wait) -> Stem: wacht -> Command: Wacht! (Wait!)
• Verb: lezen (to read) -> Stem: lees -> Command: Lees! (Read!)

• Formal Plural / Polite Singular (to someone you use u with):
• Use the infinitive form (often sounds more polite, but the stem is also commonly understood).
• Verb: komen -> Command: Komen! or Komt u! (Come! - formal)
• Verb: wachten -> Command: Wachten! or Wacht u! (Wait! - formal)
• For A1, focusing on the stem form is usually sufficient for basic commands.

Examples:

• Kijk! (Look!)
• Luister! (Listen!)
• Help me! (Help me!)
• Ga weg! (Go away!)
• Eet je brood! (Eat your bread!)

Note: You don't use a subject pronoun (jij, u, jullie) with the basic imperative.