German Phrase
Überprüf die Sensoren, bevor du gehst.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to check the sensors before leaving. It combines an imperative main clause with a temporal subordinate clause introduced by 'bevor'.
When to use
Use this phrase in technical or safety‑critical environments—labs, factories, or when operating machinery—where confirming that sensors are functioning is a prerequisite for moving on.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ÜberprüfdieSensoren,bevordugehst.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
For regular verbs, drop the -en ending of the infinitive and add -e (optional) or just the stem; here 'überprüfen' becomes 'Überprüf' (or 'Überprüfe').
Accusative object
'die Sensoren' is the accusative plural form of 'der Sensor', serving as the direct object of the verb.
Subordinate clause with 'bevor'
'bevor' introduces a temporal subordinate clause, so the verb 'gehst' moves to the end of that clause.
Verb placement in main clause
In the main imperative clause, the verb comes first, followed by the object.
🗨In Conversation
Überprüf die Sensoren, bevor du gehst.
Check the sensors before you go.
Klar, ich schaue sie gleich nach.
Sure, I'll look at them right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Überprüfe die Sensoren bevor du gehst
The comma after the object is required in written German to separate the main clause from the subordinate clause.
bevor du gehst du
In the subordinate clause the verb must be at the end; placing 'du' after the verb is incorrect.
Überprüf die Sensor, bevor du gehst.
The plural object needs the plural form 'Sensoren', not the singular 'Sensor'.
↔Alternatives
Prüfe die Sensoren, bevor du gehst.
Check the sensors before you go.
Sieh dir die Sensoren an, bevor du gehst.
Take a look at the sensors before you go.
Stelle sicher, dass die Sensoren funktionieren, bevor du gehst.
Make sure the sensors are working before you go.
Cultural Tip
In German workplaces colleagues often use the informal 'du' and the short imperative 'Überprüf'. In a formal setting or when speaking to a superior, switch to the polite form: 'Überprüfen Sie die Sensoren, bevor Sie gehen.'