respektiere

Respektiere is the informal singular imperative form of the German verb respektieren, meaning to respect. It is used to command or request one person to show respect toward people, rules, norms, or property. Examples include phrases like “Respektiere andere Kulturen” (Respect other cultures) or “Respektiere die Privatsphäre anderer” (Respect others’ privacy).

Usage and forms. As an imperative, respektiere conveys a direct instruction in informal address (du). In formal contexts, you would say “Respektieren Sie,” and for addressing multiple people informally you would use “Respektiert.” There is also the variant “Respektier!” which is another permissible form of the du-imperative. The tone can range from firm to casual depending on context and intonation.

Grammar notes. respektieren is a regular verb. Its present tense forms include ich respektiere, du respektierst, er respektiert, wir respektieren, ihr respektiert, Sie respektieren. The imperative form discussed here—respektiere—is specifically the du-form imperative. The verb is typically written in lowercase in mid-sentence, with capitalization only at the start of sentences or for proper nouns.

Etymology and usage in broader language. The noun Respekt entered German from the word respect, itself rooted in Latin respectus and spreading through French or English paths before becoming established in German. The verb respektieren followed as a common loan into German, gaining everyday usage in modern language to express consid- eration and regard for others, rules, and social norms.

See also. Respekt, Respektlosigkeit, Respektkultur, and related phrases reflecting the concept of regard and consideration in social interaction.