German Phrase
Nimm Wasser und haltbare Lebensmittel mit.
Meaning
‘Take water and non‑perishable food with you.’ The sentence is a direct, informal command, often used when giving packing advice for trips, hikes, or emergency kits.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re preparing for outdoor activities (hiking, camping, a day trip) or when reminding someone to bring supplies for an emergency or a long journey.
✦Grammar Breakdown
NimmWasserundhaltbareLebensmittelmit
Imperativ von 'nehmen'
‘Nimm’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘nehmen’. For ‘ihr’ you would say ‘Nehmt’, and for the formal ‘Sie’ it is ‘Nehmen Sie’.
Trennbares Verb ‘mitnehmen’
‘mit’ is the separable prefix of ‘mitnehmen’. In the main clause the prefix moves to the end of the sentence: ‘Nimm … mit’.
Adjektivdeklination ohne Artikel
‘haltbare’ is an attributive adjective used without a preceding article, so it takes the strong ending ‘-e’ in the accusative plural.
Akkusativobjekte
Both ‘Wasser’ and ‘Lebensmittel’ are accusative objects of ‘mitnehmen’. ‘Wasser’ is neuter singular, ‘Lebensmittel’ is plural.
🗨In Conversation
Wir gehen morgen wandern. Was sollen wir alles einpacken?
We’re going hiking tomorrow. What should we pack?
Nimm Wasser und haltbare Lebensmittel mit.
Take water and non‑perishable food with you.
✕Common Mistakes
Nehme Wasser und haltbare Lebensmittel mit.
‘Nehme’ is the first‑person singular present, not the du‑imperative. Use ‘Nimm’ for a direct command to ‘du’.
Nimm mit Wasser und haltbare Lebensmittel.
When using the imperative, the separable prefix ‘mit’ must be placed at the end of the clause.
Nimm Wasser und die haltbaren Lebensmittel mit.
Adding a definite article before ‘Lebensmittel’ forces a weak adjective ending, which doesn’t match the original phrasing.
↔Alternatives
Packe Wasser und lang haltbare Lebensmittel ein.
Pack water and long‑lasting food items.
Nehmt genug zu trinken und etwas zu essen mit.
Take enough to drink and something to eat.
Vergiss nicht, Wasser und Konserven mitzunehmen.
Don’t forget to take water and canned goods.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking regions, especially in the Alps and other outdoor‑heavy areas, it’s common to stress ‘Vorsorge’ (preparation). ‘Haltbare Lebensmittel’ usually means things like Müsliriegel, Trockenfrüchte, Konserven or instant meals that stay safe without refrigeration. When speaking to older generations, you might hear the more formal ‘Nehmen Sie … mit’.