das
Kommando
What does "das Kommando" mean? 🤔
The German word das Kommando has several meanings:
- Command / Order: The most common meaning is a clear instruction or order that must be followed. Example: Der Kapitän gab das Kommando zum Ablegen. (The captain gave the command to cast off.)
- Military Unit: It can also refer to a specific military group or unit under a single command. Example: Das Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) ist eine Eliteeinheit der Bundeswehr. (The Special Forces Command (KSK) is an elite unit of the German Armed Forces.)
- Authority / Command Power: Figuratively, it also denotes the power or authority to issue commands. Example: Er übernahm das Kommando über das Projekt. (He took command of the project.)
- Technology (less common): A command given to a computer system or machine. Example: Gib das Kommando 'Drucken' ein. (Enter the 'Print' command.)
🚨 Important: The word is always neuter and used with the article das.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-o → mostly neutral.
Grammar of "das Kommando" 🧐
The noun "Kommando" is neuter. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Kommando |
| Genitive | des | Kommandos |
| Dative | dem | Kommando |
| Accusative | das | Kommando |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kommandos |
| Genitive | der | Kommandos |
| Dative | den | Kommandos |
| Accusative | die | Kommandos |
Example Sentences
- Der General erteilte das Kommando zum Angriff. (The general gave the command to attack.)
- Das Kommando rückte in den frühen Morgenstunden aus. (The unit/commando moved out in the early morning hours.)
- Wer hat hier das Kommando? (Who is in command here?)
- Die Rettungsaktion stand unter dem Kommando der Feuerwehr. (The rescue operation was under the command of the fire department.)
- Manche Computerprogramme werden über Text-Kommandos gesteuert. (Some computer programs are controlled via text commands.)
How is "das Kommando" used? 🗣️
"Das Kommando" is often used in military or police contexts when referring to orders or units. It conveys authority and directness.
- Military/Police: "Auf mein Kommando!" (On my command!), "Das Kommando übernehmen" (To take command), "Ein mobiles Einsatzkommando" (A mobile task force/commando unit)
- General Orders: Also used outside the military for clear instructions, e.g., in sports ("Auf die Plätze, fertig, los!" - "Ready, set, go!" - is also a type of command) or dog training ("Sitz!" - "Sit!" is a Kommando).
- Leadership/Control: When someone takes charge or control of a situation, project, or group ("Sie hat das Kommando über das Marketing-Team." - "She is in command of the marketing team.").
- Technology: Specific commands for software or devices.
Difference from "Befehl": While "Befehl" (order, command) is very similar, "Kommando" often emphasizes brevity, conciseness, and immediate execution, especially in a military or technical sense. "Kommando" can also refer to the unit or the authority itself, which "Befehl" generally does not.
Memory Aids for "das Kommando" 🧠
Article Mnemonic (das):
Think of things that give instructions often being neutral objects in German, like das Telefon, das Radio, das System. A Kommando is like a neutral, direct instruction from such a system or authority. It's just das fact.
Meaning Mnemonic:
"Kommando" sounds like the English word "command". Imagine a commander giving a command-o! It helps remember both the 'command' meaning and the military association.
Similar and Opposite Words 🔄
Synonyms:
- Befehl: (Order, command) - Very similar, often interchangeable.
- Anweisung: (Instruction) - More general, less authoritarian.
- Order: (Order) - Loanword, less common.
- Einheit / Truppe: (Unit / Troop) - For the military meaning.
- Leitung / Führung: (Leadership / Command) - Emphasizes control aspect.
- Instruktion: (Instruction) - Technical term for machine/software command.
Antonyms:
- Bitte: (Request) - A polite appeal, not an order.
- Vorschlag: (Suggestion) - A non-binding recommendation.
- Anfrage: (Inquiry) - A question that doesn't compel action.
- Diskussion: (Discussion) - Mutual discourse, not a one-sided command.
- Chaos / Unordnung: (Chaos / Disorder) - Opposite of structured leadership (Kommando as authority).
⚠️ Similar-sounding, potentially confusing words:
- Kommentar (der): (Comment) - An opinion, not a command.
- Kommode (die): (Chest of drawers) - A piece of furniture.
A Little Joke 😄
Fragt der General seine neuen Rekruten: "Wer von Ihnen kann gut Kommandos geben?" Meldet sich einer: "Ich, Herr General!" "Gut", sagt der General, "dann geben Sie dem Hund da drüben das Kommando 'Sitz'!" Der Rekrut brüllt den Hund an: "HUND! Im Namen des Herrn Generals befehle ich Ihnen hiermit: NEHMEN SIE UNVERZÜGLICH SITZHALTUNG EIN!"
--- Translation ---
The general asks his new recruits: "Which of you is good at giving commands?" One speaks up: "Me, Sir General!" "Good," says the general, "then give that dog over there the command 'Sit'!" The recruit yells at the dog: "DOG! In the name of the General, I hereby command you: ASSUME A SEATED POSITION IMMEDIATELY!"
A Short Poem about "das Kommando" 🎶
Ein Wort, kurz, klar und rein,
so schallt das Kommando hinein.
Ob Heer, ob Schiff, ob Hund am Platz,
es fordert Handlung, keinen Schwatz.
Mit "das" steht's fest, ganz ohne Frage,
bringt Ordnung in die Lage.
--- Translation ---
A word, short, clear, and pure,
so rings the command, to be sure.
Be it army, ship, or dog in place,
it demands action, no idle space.
With "das" it stands firm, without a query,
brings order to the theory.
Who or what am I? 🕵️
Ich bin ein Wort, doch oft ganz laut.
Man folgt mir, wenn man mir vertraut.
Im Militär bin ich zu Haus,
manchmal führ' ich Truppen raus.
Ich kann auch nur ein Ruf sein, knapp,
oder die Führung, zack, zack, zack.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk' es dir gut!
--- Translation ---
I am a word, but often quite loud.
People follow me if I'm allowed.
In the military, I am found,
sometimes I lead troops around.
I can also be just a brief call,
or the leadership, standing tall.
My article is neuter, remember it right!
Answer: das Kommando
More about "Kommando" 💡
Etymology: The word "Kommando" comes from the Italian word comando, which also means "command" or "authority". It entered the German language primarily through military usage.
Compound Words: There are many compound words with "Kommando", such as:
- Oberkommando: High Command
- Einsatzkommando: Task Force / Special Command Unit
- Kommandobrücke: Bridge (of a ship)
- Kommandogerät: Control device
- Kommandosprache: Command language (e.g., for computers)
- Kommandoton: Commanding tone of voice
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kommando?
The German word "Kommando" is always neuter. The correct article is das Kommando. It primarily means a command/order, a military unit, or the authority to command.