German Phrase
Stell die Temperatur bei Bedarf ein.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to adjust the temperature whenever it is necessary. It is a concise instruction often found in manuals, smart‑home apps, or when giving a quick suggestion.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a short, direct instruction about a thermostat, heater, or any device that can be temperature‑controlled. It works well in informal spoken German or in written instructions that keep a friendly tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
StelldieTemperaturbeiBedarfein
Imperativ (du)
‘Stell’ is the informal singular imperative of ‘stellen’, used for direct commands to a familiar person.
Trennbares Verb
‘einstellen’ is a separable verb; in the imperative the prefix ‘ein’ moves to the end of the clause.
Akkusativobjekt
‘die Temperatur’ is the direct object in the accusative case, what you are setting.
Präpositionalphrase ‘bei Bedarf’
‘bei’ + dative (Bedarf) means ‘as needed’ or ‘if necessary’, a common phrase in technical instructions.
🗨In Conversation
Es ist mir zu kalt im Büro.
It's too cold in the office.
Stell die Temperatur bei Bedarf ein.
Adjust the temperature as needed.
✕Common Mistakes
Stelle die Temperatur bei Bedarf ein.
‘Stelle’ is not the correct informal imperative; it is the first‑person singular present form. Use ‘Stell’ for a direct ‘you’ command.
Stell die Temperatur bei Bedarf ein stellen.
With separable verbs the prefix must be placed at the end in the imperative, not split as ‘ein stellen’.
Stell die Temperatur bei den Bedarf ein.
‘Bedarf’ is a masculine noun that takes the dative ‘bei Bedarf’ without an article.
↔Alternatives
Passe die Temperatur nach Bedarf an.
Adjust the temperature according to need.
Reguliere die Temperatur, wenn nötig.
Regulate the temperature when necessary.
Stelle die Heizung bei Bedarf ein.
Set the heating as needed.
Cultural Tip
‘Bei Bedarf’ is a very typical German way to soften a command, making it sound more like a helpful suggestion than a strict order. In formal contexts you would replace the informal imperative with ‘Stellen Sie die Temperatur bei Bedarf ein.’ Adding ‘bitte’ at the beginning (Bitte, stell …) further softens the tone.