Polite Commands

Level 2

The polite command is a formal request or invitation used in professional settings or with strangers. It follows the structure: Verb Stem + -t + u.

How It Works

In Dutch, when you want to be particularly respectful—such as in a restaurant, a doctor's office, or when speaking to an elder—you use the polite command form. This form is used for both singular and plural formal address.

1. Formation
The form is identical to the inversion form of the formal present tense (Stem + t + u):

  • Regular: u komt (you come) → Komt u binnen (Please come in).
  • Stem in -t: If the verb stem already ends in -t, do not add another one. Example: zitten → Zit u (Please sit).
  • Hebben: For hebben, both Hebt u and Heeft u are correct and common (e.g., Heeft u geduld).
  • Irregular: The only true exception is zijn, which becomes Weest u.

2. Separable Verbs
When using separable verbs, the prefix moves to the end of the sentence, just like in a normal statement or question. For example: opbellen → Belt u mij even op (Please call me).

3. Register and Usage
This is often called the 'service register.' You will hear it from shopkeepers or waiters. While the bare imperative can sometimes sound harsh, this form softens the tone. In modern Dutch, people also use this form combined with modal particles like maar or even to sound friendly and professional (e.g., Neemt u maar plaats). Adding alstublieft is also very common to ensure politeness.

4. Intonation
Because the word order is the same as a question, intonation is key. A question usually has a rising pitch at the end, while a polite command has a neutral or falling pitch.

Examples (5)

  1. Gaat u zitten.

    Please, have a seat.

    Word by Word: Go you sit.

    A standard polite way to invite someone to sit down in a formal setting.

  2. Komt u binnen, de dokter wacht op u.

    Please come in, the doctor is waiting for you.

    Word by Word: Come you inside, the doctor waits on you.

    Commonly used in professional environments like a clinic.

  3. Weest u gerust, alles komt goed.

    Rest assured, everything will be fine.

    Word by Word: Be you at-ease, everything comes good.

    Uses the irregular polite imperative form of 'zijn' (weest u).

  4. Meldt u zich aan bij de receptie.

    Please register at the reception.

    Word by Word: Report you yourself at the reception.

    A formal instruction using a reflexive verb.

  5. Vult u dit formulier even in.

    Please fill out this form.

    Word by Word: Fill you this form just in.

    Combines the polite command with the particle 'even' to soften the request further.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the pronoun 'u'.

    Komt binnen!
    Komt u binnen!

    In modern Dutch, using the -t ending without the pronoun 'u' sounds archaic or like an old-fashioned plural command. To be polite, you must include 'u'.

  • Dropping the -t like in informal inversion.

    Kom u binnen?
    Komt u binnen!

    Unlike the pattern for 'jij' (where the -t is dropped in inversion), the formal 'u' form always retains the -t ending.

  • Using the polite 'u' command with a close friend.

    Different MeaningGaat u zitten!
    Ga lekker zitten!

    Using the polite command with friends or family can sound stiff, distant, or even sarcastic. Use the bare imperative or particles for informal politeness.

How It Connects

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Polite CommandsLevel 2

Learn This First

To form polite commands, you need to know the basic imperative structure, the formal pronoun 'u', and how to apply the standard '-t' verb ending used in formal address.

Words in This Pattern

u