German Phrase
Vergleiche die Preise genau.
Meaning
This sentence is a direct instruction to compare the prices with precision. It is commonly used when someone is about to make a purchase and should check different offers before deciding.
When to use
Use it when giving shopping advice, discussing budgeting, or reminding a friend to look at multiple offers online or in stores. It works in informal contexts (du‑form) and can be adapted to formal speech with "Vergleichen Sie die Preise genau."
✦Grammar Breakdown
VergleichediePreisegenau.
Imperativ (du)
The verb "vergleichen" in the du‑imperative drops the "n" and adds an "e": vergleichen → vergleiche.
Akkusativ Plural
"die Preise" is the accusative plural of "der Preis"; the article "die" stays the same as in the nominative.
Adverb "genau"
"genau" modifies the verb and means "exactly / carefully"; it is placed after the object for natural flow.
🗨In Conversation
Ich will ein neues Handy kaufen.
I want to buy a new phone.
Vergleiche die Preise genau.
Compare the prices carefully.
✕Common Mistakes
Vergleichen die Preise genau.
Missing the imperative ending – the verb must be "Vergleiche" for du‑imperative.
Vergleiche den Preis genau.
Using singular changes the meaning; the phrase refers to comparing multiple prices, not a single price.
Vergleiche genau die Preise.
Placing "genau" before the object is grammatically possible but sounds less natural in this context.
↔Alternatives
Schau dir die Preise genau an.
Take a close look at the prices.
Prüfe die Preise gründlich.
Check the prices thoroughly.
Vergleichen Sie die Preise genau.
Compare the prices carefully. (formal)
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries price‑comparison is a common consumer habit; websites like Idealo or Preisvergleich are frequently used. The informal imperative "Vergleiche …" is perfectly natural among friends, but in a store or with a salesperson you would switch to the formal "Vergleichen Sie …" to show respect.