gehet

Gehet is a historical German verb form: the second-person plural imperative of gehen (to go). It is primarily found in Early New High German and in older religious, ceremonial, or literary contexts. In modern standard German, the corresponding second-person plural imperative is Geht, while Gehet is considered archaic or stylistic.

Formation and usage: Gehet is formed from the stem geh- with the now obsolete imperative ending -et used for the plural. This form is typical of older orthography and dialectal varieties, and it appears in translated religious texts, hymns, and period writings to convey a solemn or antiquated tone. It is not used in contemporary everyday speech or writing.

Historical significance and examples: One well-known historical usage appears in Luther-era German translations of the Bible, where commands such as Gehet in alle Welt appear to urge listeners to spread a message. Beyond scripture, Gehet can appear in classic poetry or prose that seeks to evoke a biblical or ancient atmosphere.

Contemporary status: Today Gehet is largely confined to quotations, historical discussions, or stylistic reproductions of older German. In modern text, it is typically replaced by Geht for the second-person plural imperative. Learners of German may encounter Gehet in studying historical sources or in religious literature that preserves older language forms.

See also: German verb conjugation, Early New High German, Luther Bible, historical German orthography.