Orders, instructions, leadership, military language — they all share one word that learners need early: command in German. It’s formal, clear, and carries the weight of someone giving directions or being in control.

The word is Kommando — pronounced “koh-MAHN-doh,” with the stress on the second syllable. It sounds just like the English word “commando,” and yes, they’re related.

Kommando is neuter, so it’s das Kommando. The plural is die Kommandos. If you’re unsure about gender or how articles work, my gender video lesson will make things clear quickly.

It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it shows up in military, police, and informal everyday phrases alike.

Examples in all four cases:

Nominative:
Das Kommando wurde gegeben.
The command was given.

Accusative:
Ich übernehme das Kommando.
I’m taking command.

Dative:
Mit dem Kommando beginnt die Aktion.
The action starts with the command.

Genitive:
Die Wirkung des Kommandos war eindeutig.
The effect of the command was clear.

Real-World Tips for Learners

Kommando can refer to both an order (ein scharfes Kommando geben) and to a unit (das Einsatzkommando – special operations unit). In casual speech, it’s sometimes used metaphorically: Wer hat hier das Kommando? means “Who’s in charge here?” and works just as well in families or friend groups as it does in the military.

You might also hear:

• ein Kommando ausführen – to carry out a command

• unter Kommando stehen – to be under command

• das Kommando übernehmen – to take charge

While formal, Kommando also shows up in training settings, games, and structured activities — anywhere someone gives clear instructions or directs a group.

Beginner dialogue using Kommando:

A: Wer hat das Kommando heute?
B: Ich! Ich bestimme das Spiel.
A: Who’s in charge today?
B: Me! I’m running the game.

Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Kommando.

“Wann hast du das letzte Mal das Kommando übernommen — und wie war das?”
When was the last time you took command — and how did it go?

Say your answer out loud in German and include Kommando in the sentence.

Duden entry for “Kommando”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say command in German — and how das Kommando fits into leadership, instructions, military language, and group decision-making.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to grow your German vocabulary in a practical and focused way.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Konto — perfect for banking, logins, and organizing your digital life.
Or revisit Kontrolle — essential for travel checks, discipline, and managing rules.