German Phrase
Desinfiziere die Oberflächen für andere.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to disinfect the surfaces on behalf of other people. It stresses the responsibility to keep shared areas clean and safe for everyone.
When to use
Use this phrase in workplaces, schools, restaurants, or any public setting where hygiene is crucial – for example when a supervisor instructs a cleaning staff member or when you remind a roommate to wipe down the kitchen table for the benefit of everyone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DesinfizieredieOberflächenfürandere.
Imperativ (du)
‘Desinfiziere’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘desinfizieren’, used to give a direct command to ‘du’.
Akkusativ‑Artikel
‘die’ is the plural definite article in the accusative case, matching ‘Oberflächen’ (the direct object).
Präposition ‘für’ + Akkusativ
‘für’ always governs the accusative; therefore ‘andere’ stays in its base form.
Verb‑Stamm
‘desinfizieren’ is a regular weak verb; the stem is ‘desinfiz‑’ and the imperative adds ‘-iere’.
🗨In Conversation
Desinfiziere die Oberflächen für andere, bevor wir das Meeting starten.
Disinfect the surfaces for others before we start the meeting.
Klar, ich mache das gleich.
Sure, I'll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Desinfiziere Sie die Oberflächen für andere.
Used with a formal ‘Sie’ audience; the formal imperative should be ‘Desinfizieren Sie…’.
Desinfiziere Oberflächen für andere.
Dropping the article makes the sentence sound incomplete.
Desinfiziere die Oberflächen für anderen.
‘Für’ requires the accusative; learners sometimes mistakenly use dative ‘für anderen’.
↔Alternatives
Desinfizieren Sie die Oberflächen für andere.
Disinfect the surfaces for others. (formal)
Reinige die Oberflächen für die anderen.
Clean the surfaces for the others.
Bitte desinfiziere die Flächen für alle.
Please disinfect the areas for everyone.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries hygiene is taken very seriously, especially in hospitals, restaurants and public transport. When speaking to strangers or superiors, use the formal imperative ‘Desinfizieren Sie …’. In casual settings among friends or colleagues, the informal ‘Desinfiziere …’ is perfectly natural. Also, note that Germans often specify the exact area (e.g., ‘die Arbeitsflächen’ or ‘die Türgriffe’) for clarity.