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German Phrase

Vergiss die Milch nicht.

/fɛrˈɡɪs diː ˈmɪlç nɪçt/
Meaning"Don’t forget the milk."
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Meaning

‘Don’t forget the milk.’ It is a direct reminder, usually spoken to someone who is about to leave the house or go shopping, urging them to remember to take or buy milk.

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When to use

Use it in everyday situations: before leaving for the grocery store, when reminding a roommate, or when you’re writing a quick note on the fridge. It works both as a friendly nudge and as a slightly urgent reminder.

✦Grammar Breakdown

VergissdieMilchnicht

1

Imperativ von *vergessen*

‘Vergiss’ is the du‑imperative of the verb *vergessen* (to forget). For ‘ihr’ the form would be *Vergesst*, and for the formal ‘Sie’ it is *Vergessen Sie*.

2

Bestimmter Artikel *die* (Akkusativ)

‘die’ is the accusative feminine article that matches *Milch* (die Milch). The article does not change in the accusative for feminine nouns.

3

Negation with *nicht*

*nicht* negates the whole clause and is placed at the end of the sentence in German imperatives.

🗨In Conversation

A

Vergiss die Milch nicht.

Don’t forget the milk.

Keine Sorge, ich bringe sie gleich mit.

Don’t worry, I’ll bring it right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Vergessen die Milch nicht.

    ‘Vergessen’ is the infinitive; the correct imperative for ‘du’ is ‘Vergiss’.

  • Vergiss der Milch nicht.

    ‘Milch’ is feminine, so the accusative article is ‘die’, not ‘der’. ‘Der’ would be dative.

  • Nicht vergessen die Milch.

    In German the negation *nicht* comes at the end of the clause, not before the verb.

↔Alternatives

  • Denk dran, die Milch zu holen.

    Remember to get the milk.

  • Vergiss nicht, die Milch zu kaufen.

    Don’t forget to buy the milk.

  • Bitte die Milch nicht vergessen.

    Please don’t forget the milk.

de

Cultural Tip

In German households, especially in the north, it’s common to leave a short note on the fridge for family members. The imperative form ‘Vergiss … nicht’ sounds natural and friendly, but avoid sounding too abrupt with strangers – you’d more likely say ‘Bitte vergessen Sie nicht, die Milch zu kaufen.’ Also, Germans tend to appreciate punctuality, so a reminder about milk often implies you’ll be out for a quick trip rather than a leisurely stroll.