Modal particle 'doch'

What it is. doch is an unstressed modal (flavouring) particle in the middle field. It has no fixed English equivalent; it colours the speaker's attitude rather than adding factual content.

Main uses.

• It softens a request, making it friendlier or more inviting: Komm doch mit! - Why don't you come along!
• It reminds the hearer of something / marks a contradiction of expectation: Das hast du doch versprochen! - But you did promise that!

Examples.

• Setz dich doch! - Do sit down. / Have a seat.
• Das wussten wir doch alle. - But we all knew that, didn't we.
• Sei doch nicht so streng. - Come on, don't be so strict.

Common mistakes. Do not stress doch and do not translate it word-for-word - doch here is not the contrastive answer-word doch (yes, on the contrary) used after a negative question. Keep it in the middle field, not at the front of the clause.

'doch' softens a request or expresses 'after all / come on'.

Softens a request or adds 'after all'; stands in the Mittelfeld, unstressed.

'doch' macht eine Aufforderung freundlicher oder drückt Nachdruck aus.