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Imperative Mood
Imperative Form

1 Imperative Form 2 Giving Commands 3 Giving Suggestions 4 Imperative in Context

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A2 Verb Forms 6 min read 쉬움

Imperative Form

Just use the verb's root to tell someone what to do—it's the simplest Swedish verb form!

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Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The Imperative is the shortest form of a Swedish verb, used to give orders, instructions, or advice directly.

For -ar verbs, the imperative is the same as the infinitive: 'tala' becomes 'tala!'.
For -er verbs, remove the -a from the infinitive to get the stem: 'läsa' becomes 'läs!'.
To make it negative, simply add 'inte' after the verb: 'Spring inte!' (Don't run!).

Verb (Stem/Infinitive) + ! (+ inte for negative)

Overview

## What is the Imperative?

The imperative form, or imperativ in Swedish, is the most direct way to communicate an action you want someone else to take. Unlike English, which uses the base form of the verb for commands (e.g., 'Eat!'), Swedish verbs have specific rules based on their conjugation group. It is the 'shortest' possible form of a verb because it represents the core meaning without any tense markers like -r (present) or -de (past).

In Swedish culture, which values equality and directness, the imperative is used very frequently. You will see it everywhere: from the 'Stopp' sign on the street to the 'Öppna här' (Open here) instructions on a milk carton. While it might feel 'bossy' to English speakers at first, it is perfectly normal in Swedish, especially when softened with a friendly tone or words like snälla (please) or tack (thanks).

Understanding the imperative is essential for navigating daily life, following recipes, and understanding safety warnings.

## How to Form the Imperative

Forming the imperative depends on which verb group the word belongs to.

1Group 1 (-ar verbs): These are the easiest. The imperative is identical to the infinitive.

att tala (to speak) → Tala!
att titta (to look) → Titta!

1Group 2 (-er verbs): For these, you take the infinitive and remove the final -a to find the stem.

att läsa (to read) → Läs!
att stänga (to close) → Stäng!

1Group 3 (Short verbs): These verbs end in a stressed vowel other than -a. The imperative is the same as the infinitive.

att gå (to go/walk) → Gå!
att sy (to sew) → Sy!

1Group 4 (Irregular verbs): Most follow the Group 2 rule (remove -a from infinitive), but some are unique.

att skriva → Skriv!
att vara (to be) → Var! (Very common!)

Negation: To tell someone *not* to do something, simply place inte (or ej in formal writing) immediately after the verb.

Spring inte! (Don't run!)
Rök ej. (No smoking - formal).

## When and Where to Use It

The imperative is versatile. In texting and social media, you'll see it in calls to action: Följ mig! (Follow me!) or Dela videon! (Share the video!). In travel, signs will use it: Håll till höger (Keep to the right).

When ordering food, you might hear a server say Välj en dricka (Choose a drink). However, as a customer, you usually use a polite question like Kan jag få... instead of an imperative.

In job interviews, an employer might say Berätta om dig själv (Tell [me] about yourself). Here, the imperative isn't a barked command but an invitation to speak. The key to using the imperative correctly in Sweden is intonation.

A rising, friendly pitch makes it a suggestion; a flat, sharp pitch makes it a strict order.

## Common Pitfalls

The most frequent mistake for learners is using the present tense instead of the imperative. Because the present tense ends in -r (e.g., läser), it feels natural to use it, but saying Läser! sounds like you are describing the act of reading rather than commanding it.

Another mistake is forgetting the -a for Group 1 verbs. Learners often try to shorten tala to tal, but tal is a noun meaning 'speech'. You must keep the -a for Group 1.

Finally, word order with negation can be tricky. In Swedish, the negative particle inte always follows the imperative verb. Do not say Inte spring!; it must be Spring inte!. This mirrors the standard Swedish V2 word order logic where the verb comes first in a command.

## Imperative vs. Polite Requests

Learners often wonder when to use the imperative versus a polite request like Kan du...? (Can you...?).

Use the Imperative (Öppna fönstret!) when:

You have authority (parent to child).
The situation is urgent.
You are giving instructions (recipes/manuals).
You are being very informal with close friends.

Use Polite Requests (Kan du öppna fönstret, är du snäll?) when:

You are asking a favor.
You are talking to a stranger or in a professional setting.
You want to sound less demanding.

In Swedish, adding snälla (please) at the beginning or end of an imperative can bridge the gap, but using a modal verb (kan, vill, skulle) is generally considered more polite in service environments.

## CEFR-Level Explanations

A1: The imperative is the 'command' form. It is very short. Use it to tell someone to do something.

For many verbs, you just use the word you already know, like 'Tala!' (Speak!) or 'Ät!' (Eat!). If you want to say 'don't', put 'inte' after the verb: 'Ät inte!' (Don't eat!). It is simple and fast.

A2: At the A2 level, you should know that Swedish verbs are in groups. Group 1 verbs like 'titta' stay the same in the imperative: 'Titta!'. Group 2 verbs like 'läsa' lose the 'a' at the end: 'Läs!'.

We use this for instructions, recipes, and giving advice to friends. Remember: the verb always comes first, and 'inte' comes second.

B1: The imperative mood (imperativ) is formed from the verb stem. For Group 2 and 4 verbs, this is the infinitive minus the final vowel. It's used not just for commands, but for invitations ('Kom in!') and suggestions.

You'll notice that in formal writing, 'ej' or 'icke' might replace 'inte'. Understanding the difference between a command and a polite request using 'skulle du kunna' is vital for social integration.

B2: The imperative is the base form of the Swedish verb system. From a linguistic perspective, the imperative *is* the stem from which other tenses are built. While the formation is straightforward, the pragmatic usage is complex.

You must balance directness with Swedish social norms. Using the imperative with a particle (e.g., 'Sitt ner', 'Häng med') is common in phrasal verbs. Note that some deponent verbs (ending in -s) also have imperatives, like 'Hoppas!' (Hope!).

C1: In advanced Swedish, the imperative can be used for rhetorical effect or in legal and formal contexts. Archaic forms occasionally appear in literature or religious texts. You should also master the 'hortative' use of the imperative, often combined with 'låt oss' (let us), though the imperative alone can sometimes carry this weight in specific poetic registers.

Subtle nuances in intonation can transform a command into a plea, a warning, or a sarcastic remark.

C2: Mastery of the imperative at C2 involves recognizing its role in various dialects and its historical evolution from Old Norse. You should be comfortable with its use in highly specialized registers, such as military commands, legal prohibitions, and complex technical documentation. Furthermore, the interplay between the imperative and Swedish 'modal particles' (ju, väl, nog) allows for extremely fine-tuned communication of intent and expectation that goes far beyond a simple directive.

Meanings

The imperative mood is used to express commands, requests, suggestions, or instructions. In Swedish, it is often identical to the verb stem.

Direct Command

Giving a clear, direct order to someone to perform an action.

“Stanna!”

“Kom hit!”

Instructions/Recipes

Step-by-step guidance on how to complete a task or cook a dish.

“Koka vattnet.”

“Blanda mjölet och sockret.”

Advice or Suggestions

Offering helpful guidance or recommending a course of action.

“Ta det lugnt.”

“Vila lite.”

Invitations

Welcoming someone to do something or participate.

“Kom in!”

“Stig på!”

Warnings

Alerting someone to immediate danger or a necessary precaution.

“Se upp!”

“Akta dig!”

Swedish Imperative Formation by Group

Group	Infinitive	Imperative	Rule
Group 1	tala (to speak)	Tala!	Same as infinitive
Group 1	arbeta (to work)	Arbeta!	Same as infinitive
Group 2a	läsa (to read)	Läs!	Remove -a
Group 2b	köpa (to buy)	Köp!	Remove -a
Group 3	gå (to go)	Gå!	Same as infinitive
Group 3	bo (to live)	Bo!	Same as infinitive
Group 4	skriva (to write)	Skriv!	Remove -a (stem)
Irregular	vara (to be)	Var!	Unique form
Irregular	göra (to do)	Gör!	Remove -a

Reference Table

Reference table for Imperative Form
Form	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Verb!	Spring!
Negative	Verb + inte!	Spring inte!
Formal Negative	Verb + ej!	Rök ej!
With Particle	Verb + Particle!	Sitt ner!
With Object	Verb + Object!	Köp mjölk!
Polite (Added word)	Verb + snälla!	Hjälp mig snälla!
Reflexive	Verb + Pronoun!	Tvätta dig!
Irregular	Unique Stem!	Var snäll!

격식 수준 스펙트럼

격식체

Vänligen iakttag tystnad.

Vänligen iakttag tystnad. (Library vs. Argument)

중립

Var tyst, snälla.

Var tyst, snälla. (Library vs. Argument)

비격식체

Håll tyst!

Håll tyst! (Library vs. Argument)

속어

Käft!

Käft! (Library vs. Argument)

Uses of the Imperative

Imperativ

Commands

Stoppa! Stop!

Recipes

Blanda! Mix!

Advice

Vila! Rest!

Social

Kom in! Come in!

Group 1 vs Group 2

Group 1 (-ar)

Tala! Keep the -a

Group 2 (-er)

Läs! Drop the -a

How to form the imperative?

Does the infinitive end in -a?

YES

Go to next step

It's Group 3: Use infinitive (Gå!)

Is it a Group 1 verb (-ar)?

YES

Use infinitive (Tala!)

Remove the -a (Läs!)

Common Imperative Verbs

🏃

Movement

• Spring!
• Gå!
• Stanna!

🗣️

Communication

• Prata!
• Lyssna!
• Skriv!

🏠

Daily Life

• Ät!
• Drick!
• Sov!

Examples by Level

Ät din mat!

Eat your food!

Kom hit!

Come here!

Sitt ner.

Sit down.

Drick vatten.

Drink water.

Ring mig imorgon!

Call me tomorrow!

Stäng fönstret, snälla.

Close the window, please.

Kör inte så fort!

Don't drive so fast!

Läs boken nu.

Read the book now.

Ta till höger vid nästa korsning.

Turn right at the next intersection.

Blanda alla ingredienser i en skål.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Glöm inte att låsa dörren!

Don't forget to lock the door!

Var tyst under filmen.

Be quiet during the movie.

Tänk noga efter innan du svarar.

Think carefully before you answer.

Håll ut, det blir snart bättre!

Hang in there, it will get better soon!

Använd ej hissen vid brand.

Do not use the elevator in case of fire.

Sätt igång med arbetet omedelbart.

Get started with the work immediately.

Betrakta detta som en sista varning.

Consider this a final warning.

Låt oss inte förledas av enkla lösningar.

Let us not be misled by simple solutions.

Föreställ dig en värld utan krig.

Imagine a world without war.

Vänj dig vid tanken på att flytta.

Get used to the thought of moving.

Måtte det bära eller brista, kör på!

Come what may, go for it!

Frånsäg dig alla anspråk på tronen.

Renounce all claims to the throne.

Besinna dina handlingar innan det är för sent.

Reflect upon your actions before it is too late.

Håll till godo med det lilla vi har.

Make do with the little we have.

Easily Confused

Imperative Form 대 Imperative vs. Present Tense

Learners often add an -r to the command because they are used to the present tense.

Imperative Form 대 Group 1 vs. Group 2

Deciding whether to keep the -a or drop it.

Imperative Form 대 Imperative vs. Infinitive

Using the infinitive with 'att' for a command.

자주 하는 실수

✗

Läser boken!

✓

Läs boken!

Don't use the present tense (-r) for commands.

✗

Inte spring!

✓

Spring inte!

The word 'inte' must come after the verb in a command.

✗

Tal!

✓

Tala!

Group 1 verbs must keep their final -a.

✗

Äta!

✓

Ät!

Group 2 verbs must drop the -a to form the stem.

✗

Vara tyst!

✓

Var tyst!

The imperative of 'vara' is 'var'.

✗

Göra det!

✓

Gör det!

The imperative of 'göra' is 'gör'.

✗

Du läs!

✓

Läs!

You don't need the subject 'du' in a Swedish command.

✗

Snälla stäng dörren.

✓

Stäng dörren, snälla.

While 'snälla' can go first, it's more natural at the end or replaced by a polite phrase.

✗

Hoppa!

✓

Hoppas!

Deponent verbs like 'hoppas' keep their -s in the imperative.

✗

Sitt ner du.

✓

Sitt ner.

Adding 'du' after the imperative can sound aggressive or overly dialectal.

✗

Ej parkera.

✓

Parkera ej.

Even in formal signs, the verb comes before the negation.

Sentence Patterns

___ (Verb) inte ___ (Object)!

___ (Verb) ___ (Particle)!

___ (Verb), är du snäll.

Först ___ (Verb), sedan ___ (Verb).

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Gilla och dela!

Texting constant

Hör av dig!

Job Interviews occasional

Beskriv din erfarenhet.

Travel/Signs very common

Håll dörren stängd.

Food Delivery Apps common

Möt budet vid dörren.

Cooking constant

Hacka löken.

💡

The 'A' Rule

If a verb ends in -ar in the present tense, the imperative always ends in -a. Always.

⚠️

Don't be too blunt

With strangers, avoid the bare imperative. Use 'Kan du...' to avoid sounding rude.

🎯

The Stem Secret

The imperative is actually the 'true' form of the verb. All other tenses are just this form with stuff added to it!

💬

Softening with 'Då'

Adding 'då' after an imperative can make it sound more like a friendly suggestion. 'Kom då!' (Come on then!).

Smart Tips

Check the present tense. If it's 'talar', keep the 'a' (Tala!). If it's 'läser', drop the 'a' (Läs!).

Läs (for tala) → Tala!

Add 'då' to the end of your command to make it sound like a natural suggestion.

Kom hit. → Kom hit då!

Keep the particle (like 'ner', 'in', 'ut') right after the verb.

Sitt! → Sitt ner!

Instead of the imperative, use 'Skulle du kunna...' (Would you be able to...).

Öppna dörren! → Skulle du kunna öppna dörren?

발음

LYSS-na!

Emphasis

The imperative verb usually carries the primary stress of the sentence.

Läs (Long 'ä')

Short Vowels

In Group 2, when the -a is dropped, the remaining vowel length stays the same as in the infinitive.

Falling Intonation

Gör det. ↘

A firm, direct command.

Rising Intonation

Gör det? ↗

A suggestion or a polite nudge.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Group 1 stays 'A-OK' (keeps the -a), Group 2 'Cuts the A' (removes the -a).

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scissors cutting the 'a' off the word 'LÄSA' to make 'LÄS!', while the word 'TALA' sits safely in a bubble keeping its 'a'.

Rhyme

If it's Group One, keep the 'a' for fun. If it's Group Two, the 'a' is through!

Story

A bossy Swedish chef is in the kitchen. He shouts 'Tala!' to his assistant (Group 1), then takes a knife and cuts the 'a' off 'Skala' (to peel) to shout 'Skal!' (Wait, bad example, 'skala' is Group 1... let's use 'steka' -> 'stek!'). He cuts the 'a' off 'Steka' to shout 'Stek!' (Fry!).

Word Web

TalaLäsGåVarGörÄtDrickKom

챌린지

Look around your room and give yourself 5 commands in Swedish (e.g., 'Stäng dörren!', 'Drick kaffe!').

문화 노트

Swedes value 'Jantelagen' and equality, so direct commands can sometimes feel too strong. To soften them, Swedes often use 'är du snäll' (if you are kind) or 'tack' (thanks) at the end.

In Finland-Swedish, the imperative can sometimes sound slightly more formal or use different melodic patterns compared to rikssvenska.

In Swedish offices, bosses rarely use the imperative. They prefer 'Kan du...?' to maintain a flat hierarchy.

The Swedish imperative stems from the Proto-Germanic root forms, which were typically the bare stem of the verb.

Conversation Starters

“

Ge mig tre instruktioner för att koka kaffe.

“

Säg åt din hund vad den ska göra i parken.

“

Berätta för en turist hur man hittar till stationen.

“

Ge råd till en vän som är stressad.

Journal Prompts

Write a simple recipe for your favorite sandwich using only imperative sentences.

Write a list of 'House Rules' for a shared apartment.

Imagine you are a fitness coach. Write a 5-minute workout routine.

Write a letter to your younger self giving life advice.

Test Yourself

Change the verb 'tala' to the imperative form.

___ (tala) högre, jag hör inte!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tala

'Tala' is a Group 1 verb, so the imperative is the same as the infinitive.

Which is the correct negative command? 객관식

Don't run!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Spring inte!

The verb comes first, followed by 'inte'.

Correct the mistake: 'Läser boken nu!' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Läser boken nu!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Läs boken nu!

Remove the -r to change present tense to imperative.

What is the imperative of 'vara'? Conjugation Drill

___ (vara) snäll mot din bror.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Var

'Var' is the irregular imperative of 'vara'.

Turn this statement into a command: 'Du stänger dörren.' Sentence Transformation

Du stänger dörren.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Stäng dörren!

Remove the subject 'du' and change the verb to the stem 'stäng'.

Match the verb to the object. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Vatten, 2-Mat, 3-Bok

These are the most logical pairings.

Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Jag är trött. B: ___ (vila) lite då!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vila

Group 1 verb 'vila' keeps the -a in the imperative.

Which of these is NOT an imperative? Grammar Sorting

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Pratar

'Pratar' is present tense because of the -r.

Score: /8

연습 문제

8 exercises

Change the verb 'tala' to the imperative form.

___ (tala) högre, jag hör inte!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tala

'Tala' is a Group 1 verb, so the imperative is the same as the infinitive.

Which is the correct negative command? 객관식

Don't run!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Spring inte!

The verb comes first, followed by 'inte'.

Correct the mistake: 'Läser boken nu!' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Läser boken nu!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Läs boken nu!

Remove the -r to change present tense to imperative.

What is the imperative of 'vara'? Conjugation Drill

___ (vara) snäll mot din bror.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Var

'Var' is the irregular imperative of 'vara'.

Turn this statement into a command: 'Du stänger dörren.' Sentence Transformation

Du stänger dörren.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Stäng dörren!

Remove the subject 'du' and change the verb to the stem 'stäng'.

Match the verb to the object. Match Pairs

1. Drick, 2. Ät, 3. Läs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Vatten, 2-Mat, 3-Bok

These are the most logical pairings.

Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Jag är trött. B: ___ (vila) lite då!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vila

Group 1 verb 'vila' keeps the -a in the imperative.

Which of these is NOT an imperative? Grammar Sorting

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Pratar

'Pratar' is present tense because of the -r.

Score: /8

자주 묻는 질문 (8)

Not necessarily. It's standard for instructions and among friends. Use a friendly tone or add `snälla` to be polite.

It depends on the verb group. Group 1 verbs (present tense -ar) keep the -a. Group 2 verbs (present tense -er) drop it.

Yes! Swedish uses the same imperative form for one person or a hundred people.

It is 'Var inte!'. For example: 'Var inte rädd!' (Don't be afraid!).

You can use `snälla` at the beginning or end, or `är du snäll` at the end.

No. Since the 'Du-reformen', Swedish has used the same form for everyone.

Deponent verbs like `hoppas` (hope) keep the -s: `Hoppas!`.

Usually no. Adding 'du' (e.g., 'Gör du det!') makes it sound like a question or a very emphatic, sometimes annoyed, command.

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Imperativo (tú/usted)

Swedish uses the same form for affirmative and negative commands.

French moderate

Impératif

Swedish lacks plural imperative forms.

German high

Imperativ

German has a formal imperative; Swedish does not.

Japanese low

命令形 (Meireikei) / ~te kudasai

Swedish imperative is neutral/common; Japanese is often aggressive.

Arabic partial

فعل الأمر (Fi'l al-Amr)

Arabic conjugates for gender; Swedish does not.

Chinese moderate

祈使句 (Qǐshǐjù)

Chinese uses particles; Swedish uses conjugation/stem changes.

Giving Commands

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