The pattern
For jij and jullie, put the bare verb stem first and usually leave out the pronoun: Kom!, Wacht!, Luister!
- Find the stem as usual: lopen becomes loop, zitten becomes zit, geven becomes geef (see Finding the stem of a verb).
- The same form works for one person or a group: Wacht, Sanne! and Wacht, jongens!
- Polite: use the u form of the verb, then u: Komt u binnen. Gaat u zitten. (more in U or jij)
- Softer: add even (just, for a moment) or maar (go ahead): Wacht even. Kom maar.
- Separable verbs usually send their small part to the end: Kom binnen. Doe het raam dicht.
- Signs and many general instructions use the infinitive: Niet roken. Duwen.
- zijn is the odd one out: Wees stil!, and politely Weest u voorzichtig.
Examples
| Kom binnen, Daan! | Come in, Daan! |
| Wacht even, ik pak mijn fiets. | Wait a moment, I'm getting my bike. |
| Jongens, luister even! | Guys, listen for a second! |
| Komt u binnen, meneer Jansen. | Come in, Mr Jansen. |
| Gaat u maar zitten. | Please take a seat. |
| Neem maar een stuk taart, Yara. | Go ahead, have a piece of cake, Yara. |
| Wees voorzichtig, het is glad. | Be careful, it's slippery. |
| Doe het raam dicht, Bas. | Close the window, Bas. |
| Niet roken | No smoking |
| Duwen | Push |
Why it works this way
When you give a command, the person is right in front of you. There is no need to say jij: you are practically pointing at them. So Dutch strips the verb down to its core, just as English does with "Come in!"
A sign talks to nobody in particular, so it does not choose a person at all. It uses the neutral dictionary form: Niet parkeren, Trekken. You will also hear this as a firm, impersonal order, for example from a teacher: Opletten! ("Pay attention!")
On its own, a bare command like Wacht! can sound abrupt. Dutch speakers very often add a small word. Even makes the request feel quick and light (it has nothing to do with English "even"). Maar gives permission or encouragement: Kom maar means "go ahead, come in, it's fine". More in Even, maar, eens.
The u form sounds polite and a little formal. You will hear it at the GP, at the gemeente counter and in shops.
If your language has a separate plural command, as German, Spanish and Arabic do, relax: Dutch uses the same form for jullie.
Remember: when you speak to someone directly, one friend or a whole group, use the stem. To be polite, use the u form plus u: Komt u binnen. When a sign speaks to nobody in particular, it usually uses the infinitive.
Watch out
IncorrectoKomt binnen, Sanne!
CorrectoKom binnen, Sanne!
no -t in a jij command
IncorrectoKom u binnen, mevrouw.
CorrectoKomt u binnen, mevrouw.
with u, use the u form: u komt
IncorrectoBen voorzichtig, Ahmed!
CorrectoWees voorzichtig, Ahmed!
zijn has its own command form
IncorrectoOpbel me morgen.
CorrectoBel me morgen op.
the small part goes to the end
Quick check
- Your friend Lotte is at the door. (komen) ... binnen, Lotte!
- At the GP, the assistant calls Carlos in and says: (gaan) ... u zitten.
- Your neighbour Joris asks if he can come in. You mean "go ahead": Kom ... binnen. (even / maar)
- A sign in the train says: Niet ... (eten)
Ver las respuestas
- Kom: for jij, use the stem alone.
- Gaat: with u, use the u form (u gaat).
- maar: maar gives permission.
- eten: signs like this use the infinitive.
Use it today
When a colleague or neighbour knocks today, say Kom maar binnen! or, if you are busy, Wacht even! On your way home, spot one sign with an infinitive and work out what it tells you to do.