imponierst

Imponierst is the second-person singular present tense form of the German verb imponieren. The verb means to cause someone to feel impressed or to inspire awe or respect. It is used when something or someone makes an impression on another person, typically through notable qualities, performance, or presentation. The construction typically places the person who is impressed in the dative: du imponierst mir. For example, der Vortrag imponiert dem Publikum (the lecture impresses the audience).

Etymology and sense: imponieren is a borrowings-based German verb, with roots in the idea of placing oneself or something upon someone’s regard. The phrase conveys a sense of admiration or esteem rather than merely a practical effect, and it often carries a slightly formal or literary tone. It is related to but distinct from synonyms such as beeindrucken (to make an impression, often with a broader or more immediate impact) and überzeugen (to persuade).

Usage and nuance: In modern German, imponieren is commonly used in written or formal spoken language and can describe impressiveness through talent, style, or achievement. Because its core meaning involves admiration, it is less about practical influence and more about the observer’s reaction. The tone can be positive, sometimes conveying a sense of awe, or, in some contexts, a measured or evaluative admiration.

Grammar and forms: Present: ich imponiere, du imponierst, er imponiert, wir imponieren, ihr imponiert, sie imponieren. Simple past: imponierte; perfect: hat imponiert. Typical object pattern uses a dative person or entity: Das neue Auto imponiert dem Fahrer; Der Künstler imponiert dem Publikum.

See also: beeindrucken, überzeugen, Eindruck, imponieren (noun form: Impression).