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Seien Sie sicher online! Using 'Sie' in statements, questions and the imperative
I can use the pronoun 'Sie' to make statements, ask questions or give instructions and advice, in the context of life online.
Lesson 7 of 9
New
New
- Year 11
- AQA
Seien Sie sicher online! Using 'Sie' in statements, questions and the imperative
I can use the pronoun 'Sie' to make statements, ask questions or give instructions and advice, in the context of life online.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- Use 'Sie' for formal 'you' in statements, questions and the imperative.
- To ask a closed question swap the position of 'Sie' and the verb. For open questions, add a question word at the start.
- To form the formal imperative, swap the position of 'Sie' and the verb. 'Sein' is irregular: 'Seien Sie!'.
- Intonation can help to make it clear whether you are asking a question, making a statement or giving an instruction.
- The imperative can be softened by adding 'bitte', 'mal', 'doch' or 'schon'. These help us to recognise instructions.
Keywords
Sie - subject pronoun meaning 'you', formal
Imperative - a mood used to give instructions or advice
Intonation - the rise and fall of the voice when speaking
Common misconception
You always leave out the subject pronoun when using the imperative.
The 'du' and 'ihr' forms of the imperative omit the subject pronoun, but the 'Sie' form retains it.
The formation of the imperative is Higher-only grammar. It might be helpful for students to practise translating statements, questions and imperatives using the vocabulary from Learning Cycle 1 on mini whiteboards, before tackling the B2 speaking task.
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word means 'whole, entire'?
Which word means 'whole, entire'?
gern
gesellschaftlich
jedoch
lange
Q2.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q3.Match the German and English.
Match the German and English.
Q4.Order the words to say: 'She found the atmosphere very boring.'
Order the words to say: 'She found the atmosphere very boring.'
Q5.Write in English: 'Die Daten sind nicht privat.'
Write in English: 'Die Daten sind nicht privat.'
Q6.Write in German: 'I do not need any help.'
Write in German: 'I do not need any help.'
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.The rise and fall of the voice when speaking is called .
The rise and fall of the voice when speaking is called .
Q2.Words such as 'mal', 'doch' and 'schon' are ...
Words such as 'mal', 'doch' and 'schon' are ...
used to strengthen the imperative.
used to show formality.
required to form closed questions.
required to form open questions.
Q3.Which imperative is correct?
Which imperative is correct?
Trink du Wasser!
Trinkt ihr Wasser!
Q4.Order the words to form an open question.
Order the words to form an open question.
Q5.You are talking to your teacher. Write in German: 'Be strict!'
You are talking to your teacher. Write in German: 'Be strict!'
