German Phrase
Frag die Polizisten.
Meaning
This is a direct imperative telling someone to ask the police officers a question or for information. It uses the informal 'du' form of the verb 'fragen' and the plural accusative article 'die' for 'Polizisten'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise a friend or a colleague to seek help or clarification from the police, for example after witnessing an accident or when you need directions from a patrol officer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FragdiePolizisten.
Imperative (du)
For regular verbs, drop the '-en' from the infinitive and add an 'e' if the stem ends in a consonant cluster; 'fragen' → 'frag'.
Accusative plural article
The definite article for plural nouns in the accusative case is 'die' (same as nominative).
Noun plural
The plural of 'Polizist' is formed by adding '-en' → 'Polizisten'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich habe den Unfall gesehen, aber ich weiß nicht, was ich melden soll.
I saw the accident, but I don't know what I should report.
Frag die Polizisten, sie können dir weiterhelfen.
Ask the police officers, they can help you.
✕Common Mistakes
Frage die Polizisten.
The verb form 'Frage' is the first‑person singular present, not the imperative. Use 'Frag' for the informal command.
Frag den Polizisten.
This is the singular accusative article. The sentence calls for the plural 'die Polizisten' unless you mean one officer.
Frag die Polizist.
Missing the plural ending '-en' on 'Polizisten'.
↔Alternatives
Bitte die Polizisten fragen.
Please ask the police officers.
Wende dich an die Polizisten.
Turn to the police officers.
Frage die Polizei.
Ask the police.
Cultural Tip
In German, 'Polizist' refers to an individual officer, while 'Polizisten' is the plural. If you want to be more formal or refer to the institution, you can say 'die Polizei' and use the formal 'Sie' form: 'Fragen Sie die Polizei.' In everyday conversation, the informal imperative 'Frag die Polizisten' is acceptable among peers, but avoid using it with strangers or in official settings.