German Phrase
Geh jetzt durch den Metalldetektor.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct, informal command telling someone to walk through the metal detector immediately. It is typical in security situations such as airports, concerts, or stadiums.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are a staff member or a friend who wants to give a quick, informal instruction at a security checkpoint. In more formal contexts you would switch to the polite ‘Sie’ form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GehjetztdurchdenMetalldetektor.
Imperativ (2. Person Singular)
‘Geh’ is the informal command form of ‘gehen’; drop the ‘-en’ ending and add an ‘-e’ (often omitted in speech).
Zeitadverb ‘jetzt’
‘jetzt’ means ‘now’ and is placed directly after the verb in an imperative sentence.
Präposition ‘durch’ + Akkusativ
‘durch’ always governs the accusative case; therefore the article changes to ‘den’ for masculine nouns.
Bestimmter Artikel im Akkusativ
‘den’ is the masculine singular accusative form of ‘der’.
Maskulines Substantiv ‘Metalldetektor’
‘Metalldetektor’ is a masculine noun; its compound structure (Metall + Detektor) does not affect case.
🗨In Conversation
Geh jetzt durch den Metalldetektor, bitte.
Go through the metal detector now, please.
Okay, gleich danach kann ich dich treffen.
Okay, I can meet you right after that.
✕Common Mistakes
Geh jetzt durch der Metalldetektor.
‘Durch’ requires the accusative case, so the article must be ‘den’, not ‘der’.
Gehst jetzt durch den Metalldetektor.
The imperative uses the base verb ‘geh’, not the 2nd‑person present ‘gehst’.
Geh jetzt nicht durch den Metalldetektor.
Placing ‘nicht’ before ‘jetzt’ changes the meaning to ‘don’t go now’.
↔Alternatives
Bitte geh jetzt durch den Metalldetektor.
Please go through the metal detector now.
Durchlauf jetzt den Metalldetektor.
Run through the metal detector now.
Gehen Sie jetzt durch den Metalldetektor.
Please go through the metal detector now. (formal)
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries security checks are common at large events. Using ‘jetzt’ adds urgency; if you want to sound polite, add ‘Bitte’ and switch to the formal ‘Sie’ form. Also, Germans tend to keep the command short and to the point, especially in busy environments.