German Phrase
Sprich die Mitarbeiter im Laden an.
Meaning
This imperative tells someone to address or talk to the employees who work in a shop. It uses the separable verb ‘ansprechen’, which conveys the idea of initiating a conversation or raising a topic with someone.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to suggest that a colleague, friend, or yourself should approach the store staff – for example, to ask about a product, request help, or get information about a promotion.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SprichdieMitarbeiterimLadenan
Imperative (du-form)
‘Sprich’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘sprechen’; it is used for informal commands.
Separable verb ‘ansprechen’
‘ansprechen’ splits in the imperative: the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause – ‘Sprich … an’.
Accusative plural article
‘die’ is the definite article for plural nouns in the accusative case, which is required after ‘ansprechen’.
Preposition ‘im’ (in dem)
‘im’ = ‘in dem’, a contraction of the dative preposition ‘in’ + definite article ‘dem’; it governs the dative case, so ‘Laden’ is dative singular.
Noun gender & case
‘Laden’ is masculine; after ‘in dem’ it takes the dative form ‘Laden’ (unchanged in singular).
🗨In Conversation
Sprich die Mitarbeiter im Laden an, wenn du das neue Smartphone sehen willst.
Talk to the employees in the store if you want to see the new smartphone.
Gute Idee, ich frage gleich nach einer Vorführung.
Good idea, I'll ask right away for a demonstration.
✕Common Mistakes
Sprich die Mitarbeiter im Laden.
The separable prefix ‘an’ is missing; without it the sentence means ‘Speak the employees in the store’, which is ungrammatical.
Sprechen die Mitarbeiter im Laden an.
‘Sprechen’ is the infinitive; the correct du‑imperative is ‘Sprich’.
Sprich die Mitarbeiter zu dem Laden an.
‘zu dem’ is the wrong preposition; the correct phrase uses ‘im’ (in dem) because ‘ansprechen’ takes a direct object, not a prepositional phrase.
↔Alternatives
Sprich die Angestellten im Geschäft an.
Talk to the employees in the shop.
Wende dich an die Mitarbeiter im Laden.
Address the employees in the store.
Sprich das Personal im Laden an.
Talk to the staff in the store.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is customary to address shop staff with the polite ‘Sie’ unless you are in a very informal setting. ‘Mitarbeiter’ sounds a bit formal; ‘Angestellte’ or ‘Personal’ are common alternatives. Also, ‘im Laden’ is typical for a small shop, while ‘im Geschäft’ is used for larger retail spaces.