German Phrase
Nimm deinen Müll mit.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to take their own trash with them, usually when leaving a place like a picnic spot, office, or classroom. It emphasizes personal responsibility for waste.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to remind a friend, colleague, or child to collect their garbage before they go. It’s common in informal settings, but also acceptable in semi‑formal contexts such as a workplace notice.
✦Grammar Breakdown
NimmdeinenMüllmit
Imperative (du)
The verb 'nehmen' forms the du‑imperative by dropping the -en and adding -e, but with a separable prefix the base verb is used: 'Nimm' (take).
Separable verb 'mitnehmen'
In the imperative the prefix 'mit' is placed at the end of the clause: 'Nimm ... mit'.
Accusative masculine object
Müll is masculine, so the possessive pronoun must be in the accusative masculine form 'deinen'.
Word order
In commands the separable prefix follows the object: Verb – Object – Prefix.
🗨In Conversation
Nimm deinen Müll mit.
Take your trash with you.
Ja, ich nehme ihn gleich mit.
Yes, I’ll take it with me right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Nimm dein Müll mit.
Müll is masculine, so the accusative form must be 'deinen', not 'dein'.
Nimm mit deinen Müll.
The separable prefix 'mit' must come after the object, not before it.
Nimm deinen Müll mitnehmen.
Do not repeat the verb; the imperative already contains the prefix at the end.
↔Alternatives
Pack deinen Müll ein.
Pack your trash in.
Bring deinen Müll mit.
Bring your trash along.
Vergiss nicht, deinen Müll mitzunehmen.
Don’t forget to take your trash with you.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries there is a strong cultural expectation to keep public spaces clean. Using 'Müll' is everyday language; 'Abfall' sounds more formal or bureaucratic. When speaking to children, a softer tone like 'Bitte nimm deinen Müll mit' is common. In some regions (e.g., Austria) you might also hear 'Nimm deinen Abfall mit'.