German Phrase
Wärm dich immer auf, bevor du dich dehnst.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to always do a warm‑up before stretching. It combines a direct command with a temporal clause, stressing the habit of preparing the body before a stretching routine.
When to use
Use this phrase in a gym, sports class, or any fitness setting when reminding a friend or a trainee about proper warm‑up etiquette. It works both as casual advice and as a firm instruction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wärmdichimmerauf,bevordudichdehnst.
Imperative (du)
For a direct command to one person, drop the -st ending from the verb stem and add a hyphen-less form: 'Wärm' from 'wärmst'.
Reflexive Pronoun
Verbs like 'aufwärmen' and 'dehnen' are used reflexively here, so the pronoun 'dich' follows the verb.
Separable Verb
In the imperative, the separable prefix 'auf' moves to the end of the clause: 'Wärm dich ... auf'.
Subordinate Clause with 'bevor'
The verb in a 'bevor' clause goes to the end: 'du dich dehnst'.
🗨In Conversation
Wärm dich immer auf, bevor du dich dehnst.
Always warm up before you stretch.
Gute Idee, ich mache jetzt ein paar leichte Cardio‑Übungen.
Good idea, I'm doing a few light cardio exercises now.
✕Common Mistakes
Wärmt dich immer auf, bevor du dich dehnst.
The imperative for 'du' drops the -st ending; use 'Wärm' not 'Wärmt'.
Wärm dich immer auf, bevor dehnst du dich.
In a 'bevor' clause the verb must stay at the end; keep the order 'du dich dehnst'.
Wärm dich immer auf, bevor du dehnst.
When talking about stretching your own body, the verb is reflexive: 'sich dehnen'.
↔Alternatives
Mach immer ein Aufwärmtraining, bevor du dich dehnst.
Always do a warm‑up routine before you stretch.
Erwärme dich stets, bevor du dich dehnst.
Warm up every time before you stretch.
Vergiss nicht, dich aufzuwärmen, bevor du dehnst.
Don't forget to warm up before you stretch.
Cultural Tip
In German fitness culture, a proper Aufwärmen (warm‑up) is considered essential to prevent injuries. Trainers often stress the phrase 'Aufwärmen ist das A und O' (warming up is the A and O). Using the imperative form shows authority, so choose it with people you’re coaching or when you want to sound decisive.