German: Asking and Wanting Someone to Do Something
Learn German structures for asking or wanting someone else to do something, using an object in the infinitive clause, with examples and a dialogue.
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In German, when you ask or want someone else to do something, you often use an infinitive clause with an object. This differs from a simple infinitive like 'Ich möchte schlafen' (I want to sleep). Here you add a person: 'Ich möchte, dass du schläfst' (I want you to sleep) or 'Ich bitte dich zu warten' (I ask you to wait). This lesson teaches the most common patterns for elementary learners.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to do something using 'bitten' + object + zu-infinitive.
- express that I want someone else to do something using 'wollen, dass' or 'möchten, dass'.
- distinguish between a simple infinitive and an infinitive clause with an object.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich bitte dich zu warten.
I ask you to wait.
ikh BIT-uh dikh tsoo VAR-tn
Polite request; 'bitten' takes an accusative object (dich) and a zu-infinitive.
Ich möchte, dass du mir hilfst.
I want you to help me.
ikh MURKH-tuh das doo meer HILFST
Expresses a wish about someone else's action; uses 'dass' clause with conjugated verb at the end.
Er will, dass sie kommt.
He wants her to come.
air vil das zee KOMT
Strong wish; 'wollen' is less polite than 'möchten'.
Sie bittet ihn zu gehen.
She asks him to go.
zee BIT-ut een tsoo GAY-en
Third person singular; 'ihn' is accusative masculine.
Wir möchten, dass ihr pünktlich seid.
We want you (plural) to be on time.
veer MURKH-tun das eer POONKT-likh zite
Plural 'ihr' form; 'seid' is the conjugated verb at the end.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Two common patterns: 1) 'bitten' + accusative object + zu-infinitive: 'Ich bitte dich zu warten.' (I ask you to wait.) 2) 'wollen/möchten' + dass-clause: 'Ich möchte, dass du wartest.' (I want you to wait.) In the dass-clause, the conjugated verb goes to the end. Note that 'wollen' is direct, while 'möchten' is more polite.
When to use it
Use 'bitten' for polite requests, often with 'bitte': 'Ich bitte dich, bitte zu warten.' Use 'möchten, dass' for wishes or preferences, especially in service or polite contexts: 'Ich möchte, dass Sie mir helfen.' Use 'wollen, dass' for stronger, more direct wishes: 'Ich will, dass du kommst.' Avoid 'wollen' with strangers; it can sound demanding.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Kannst du mir bitte helfen?
Can you please help me?KANST doo meer BIT-uh HEL-fnJa, was möchtest du, dass ich mache?
Yes, what do you want me to do?yah vas MURKH-test doo das ikh MAKH-uhIch bitte dich, das Fenster zu schließen.
I ask you to close the window.ikh BIT-uh dikh das FEN-stur tsoo SHLEE-snIn Ordnung, ich schließe es.
All right, I'll close it.in ORT-noong ikh SHLEE-suh esA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is often valued, but politeness still matters. Using 'möchten' and 'bitte' softens requests. 'Wollen' can sound blunt, especially with strangers or in formal settings. In Austria and Switzerland, 'möchten' is also standard, but regional variations in pronunciation exist.
One thing to watch for
Omitting 'dass' or using wrong word order: 'Ich möchte du hilfst mir.'
Try this instead: Use 'dass' and put the conjugated verb at the end: 'Ich möchte, dass du mir hilfst.' Alternatively, use 'bitten' with zu-infinitive: 'Ich bitte dich, mir zu helfen.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'She asks me to wait'?
Show a sample answer
Sie bittet mich zu warten.
'bitten' takes accusative 'mich' and zu-infinitive 'zu warten'. 'Sie bittet mich, zu warten' is also correct with a comma.
2Translate: 'I want you to come.' (polite)
Show a sample answer
Ich möchte, dass du kommst.
Using 'möchten' with 'dass' clause is polite. 'Ich will, dass du kommst' is also correct but more direct.
3What is the difference between 'Ich möchte schlafen' and 'Ich möchte, dass du schläfst'?
Show a sample answer
The first means 'I want to sleep' (same subject); the second means 'I want you to sleep' (different subject, object added).
The first uses a simple infinitive; the second uses a dass-clause with a new subject.
To ask or want someone else to do something, use 'bitten' + accusative + zu-infinitive, or 'wollen/möchten' + dass-clause with the verb at the end. Choose 'möchten' for politeness.
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