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Questions & Answers about Spreek rustiger, alsjeblieft.
What grammatical form is Spreek?
It’s the singular imperative of spreken (to speak), used for direct instructions. The imperative is the stem (same as the ik-form): ik spreek → imperative Spreek. For a polite imperative with u, you can say: Spreekt u alstublieft …
Why is it rustiger and not meer rustig?
Dutch usually forms comparatives with -er: rustig → rustiger (more calmly). Meer rustig is grammatical but sounds unnatural here; rustiger is the normal choice.
Does rustiger mean “slower” or “quieter”?
It means “more calmly,” and can imply either:
- Pace: slower
- Manner/volume: less rushed or less loud If you want to be explicit:
- Speed: langzamer
- Volume: zachter
Can I say Spreek langzamer, alsjeblieft instead?
Yes. That explicitly asks for a slower pace and is often clearer if speed is the issue. For volume, use Praat zachter, alsjeblieft.
Where can I put alsjeblieft, and do I need the comma?