German Phrase
Konfrontiere Eindringlinge nicht.
Meaning
A direct, informal command telling someone not to engage with intruders. It carries a strong safety warning, implying that confronting could be dangerous and that other actions (e.g., calling the police) are preferred.
When to use
Use this phrase in safety briefings, emergency instructions, or casual conversation when warning a friend about a potential threat. It is most appropriate in informal settings (du‑form) or when giving a quick, decisive command.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KonfrontiereEindringlingenicht
Imperativ (2. Person Singular)
‘Konfrontiere’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘konfrontieren’. It is used for direct commands to ‘you’ (du).
Akkusativobjekt
‘Eindringlinge’ is a plural noun in the accusative case, the object that receives the action of the verb.
Negation with ‘nicht’
‘nicht’ follows the object to negate the whole predicate: ‘Konfrontiere … nicht’ = ‘Do not confront …’.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben einen Einbrecher im Keller entdeckt.
We discovered a burglar in the basement.
Konfrontiere Eindringlinge nicht, ruf sofort die Polizei.
Don’t confront intruders, call the police right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Konfrontiere nicht Eindringlinge.
Placing ‘nicht’ before the object (‘Konfrontiere nicht Eindringlinge’) sounds unnatural; the usual order is object‑then‑‘nicht’.
Zu konfrontiere Eindringlinge nicht.
The infinitive with ‘zu’ is never used in an imperative command.
Konfrontieren Sie Eindringlinge nicht.
If you need the formal version, you must keep the verb in the imperative form for ‘Sie’: ‘Konfrontieren Sie … nicht.’ Using the infinitive ‘konfrontieren’ is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Stelle dich nicht Eindringlingen entgegen.
Don’t stand up to intruders.
Greife Eindringlinge nicht an.
Don’t attack intruders.
Konfrontiere keine Eindringlinge.
Do not confront any intruders.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, personal safety advice often stresses calling the authorities rather than taking matters into your own hands. When addressing a group or a stranger, switch to the formal ‘Sie’ form: ‘Konfrontieren Sie Eindringlinge nicht.’ The informal imperative is fine among friends or in a training scenario.