German Phrase
Fass die Kunst bitte nicht an.
Meaning
A polite request meaning ‘Please do not touch the artwork.’ It is commonly heard in museums, galleries, or any setting where valuable art is displayed and touching is prohibited.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to ask someone not to touch paintings, sculptures, or any art objects—especially in museums, exhibitions, or cultural heritage sites.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FassdieKunstbittenichtan
Imperative of separable verb
‘Fass … an’ is the imperative form of the separable verb ‘anfassen’ (to touch). In the imperative, the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
Accusative object
‘die Kunst’ is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb ‘anfassen’.
Polite particle ‘bitte’
‘Bitte’ is placed after the verb phrase to soften the command and make it a polite request.
Negation with ‘nicht’
‘Nicht’ negates the action and is positioned before the separable prefix ‘an’ in the imperative sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Fass die Kunst bitte nicht an.
Please do not touch the artwork.
Entschuldigung, ich wollte das nicht.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
✕Common Mistakes
Fass die Kunst nicht bitte an.
‘Bitte’ should come before ‘nicht’ to keep the polite request natural.
Fassen die Kunst bitte nicht an.
The verb must be in the imperative singular ‘Fass’, not the infinitive ‘fassen’.
Bitte nicht die Kunst fassen.
The separable verb ‘anfassen’ splits as ‘fassen … an’; using ‘fassen’ alone changes the meaning to ‘to grasp’ and sounds odd in this context.
↔Alternatives
Bitte berühren Sie die Kunst nicht.
Please do not touch the artwork.
Bitte nicht anfassen.
Please do not touch.
Bitte nicht berühren.
Please do not touch.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking museums it is considered rude and sometimes illegal to touch the exhibits. Signage often uses the imperative form, sometimes with a formal ‘Sie’ version for added politeness. Remember that ‘bitte’ softens the command, making it sound courteous rather than harsh.