German Phrase
Nimm ein Handtuch, wenn du schwitzt.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to take a towel in case they start to sweat. It combines a direct command (imperative) with a conditional clause, making the advice both polite and practical.
When to use
Use this phrase at the gym, sauna, sports field, or any situation where you might get sweaty and need a towel. It’s also handy when giving a friend a quick tip before a workout.
✦Grammar Breakdown
NimmeinHandtuch,wennduschwitzt.
Imperativ (du‑Form)
‘Nimm’ is the du‑imperative of the verb nehmen. For du‑imperatives, drop the -st ending of the present tense (du nimmst → nimm).
Unbestimmter Artikel
‘ein’ is the indefinite article for masculine and neuter nouns in the accusative case; Handtuch is masculine, so ‘ein Handtuch’ is correct.
Wenn‑Satz (Konditional)
‘wenn’ introduces a conditional clause; the verb in the wenn‑clause stays in the present indicative (du schwitzt).
Verb ‘schwitzen’
‘schwitzen’ means ‘to sweat’. In the present tense for du it is ‘schwitzt’.
🗨In Conversation
Nimm ein Handtuch, wenn du schwitzt.
Take a towel if you sweat.
Danke, das mache ich gleich.
Thanks, I’ll do that right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Nehme ein Handtuch, wenn du schwitzt.
‘Nehme’ is the first‑person singular present, not the du‑imperative. The correct command is ‘Nimm’.
Nimm ein Handtuch, wenn du schwitzen.
After ‘wenn’ you need a finite verb, not the infinitive. Use ‘schwitzt’.
Nimm ein Handtuches, wenn du schwitzt.
‘Handtuch’ is masculine; the accusative indefinite article is ‘ein’, not ‘ein‑es’.
↔Alternatives
Nimm ein Handtuch, falls du schwitzt.
Take a towel in case you sweat.
Benutze ein Handtuch, wenn du schwitzt.
Use a towel when you sweat.
Hol dir ein Handtuch, sobald du zu schwitzen beginnst.
Grab a towel as soon as you start sweating.
Cultural Tip
In most German gyms and public saunas it’s customary to bring your own Handtuch, although many facilities provide disposable ones for a small fee. Using the imperative ‘Nimm’ sounds friendly but firm – perfect for quick, practical advice among friends or trainers.