German Phrase
Erstick die Flammen.
Meaning
Literally ‘Suffocate the flames.’ It is a strong, urgent instruction to put out a fire by cutting off its oxygen supply, often by covering it or using a fire‑extinguishing method.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give a direct, urgent command to stop a fire – for example in a kitchen, during a fire‑drill, or when coaching someone on fire‑safety techniques.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ErstickdieFlammen
Imperative (du)
‘Erstick’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘ersticken’ (to suffocate).
Accusative object
‘die Flammen’ is the accusative plural form of ‘die Flamme’, serving as the direct object.
Verb‑object order
In German commands the verb comes first, followed by the object.
🗨In Conversation
Erstick die Flammen, bevor sie sich ausbreiten!
Suffocate the flames before they spread!
Ich decke den Topf sofort zu.
I’ll cover the pot right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Ersticken die Flammen.
The infinitive ‘ersticken’ is not used for a command; the correct imperative is ‘Erstick’ (du) or ‘Ersticken Sie’ (formal).
Erstick die Flamme.
‘Flamme’ is singular; the phrase refers to multiple flames, so use ‘die Flammen’.
↔Alternatives
Lösch die Flammen.
Extinguish the flames.
Bedecke die Flammen.
Cover the flames.
Unterdrücke das Feuer.
Suppress the fire.
Cultural Tip
In German, the informal singular imperative drops the pronoun ‘du’ and often shortens the verb stem, as in ‘Erstick!’ This command sounds very urgent and is typically used in emergency or instructional contexts. For a polite or formal request you would say ‘Ersticken Sie die Flammen.’ Also note that ‘ersticken’ is more commonly used for suffocating people or animals, but metaphorically it works for fire when you want to stress cutting off oxygen.