German Phrase
Bitte heb die Arme für den Scanner hoch.
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to raise their arms so that a scanner can get a clear view. The sentence is informal because it uses the du‑imperative *heb*.
When to use
You would say this in a medical examination room, at an airport security checkpoint, or in any situation where a body scanner needs the person’s arms lifted. It’s suitable when you have a familiar or informal relationship with the person you’re addressing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BittehebdieArmefürdenScannerhoch
Bitte
A polite particle used to soften a request; it does not affect the verb form.
heb (imperative)
Imperative of the verb *heben* for the informal 'du' form; the ending -e is dropped in spoken German.
die Arme (accusative plural)
The noun *Arm* is masculine; in the plural the article *die* is used for both nominative and accusative.
für den Scanner (prepositional phrase)
The preposition *für* always governs the accusative case; *der Scanner* becomes *den Scanner*.
hoch (directional adverb)
Placed after the object to indicate the direction of the movement (upwards).
🗨In Conversation
Bitte heb die Arme für den Scanner hoch.
Please raise your arms for the scanner.
Klar, sofort.
Sure, right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Bitte hebst die Arme für den Scanner hoch.
The verb should be in the imperative *heb*, not the second‑person singular present *hebst*.
Bitte heb die der Arme für den Scanner hoch.
After *die* in the accusative plural the noun stays unchanged; *der* is a genitive article.
Bitte heb die Arme für den Scanner auf.
The directional adverb *hoch* (up) is required; *auf* would change the meaning to ‘on’.
Bitte heb die Arme für Scanner hoch.
If you use the formal address, the article must stay accusative: *den Scanner*; forgetting the article is a common slip.
↔Alternatives
Bitte heben Sie die Arme für den Scanner.
Please raise your arms for the scanner.
Könnten Sie bitte die Arme für den Scanner hochheben?
Could you please raise your arms for the scanner?
Bitte die Arme für den Scanner hoch.
Arms up for the scanner, please.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the level of formality is crucial. The informal imperative *heb* is fine with children, patients you know well, or in a casual setting. In a professional environment (e.g., a hospital or airport) the formal *heben Sie* is preferred. Adding *Bitte* before the command makes the request sound courteous, even in the informal form.