H. develops a taxonomy of directive speech acts ('Aufforderungen'). The main distinction drawn is that between binding directives such as order, command, etc., and non-binding ones such as request, advise, suggest, etc. Fourteen subtypes are proposed according to the situational and communicative conditions for their performance. H. presents a thorough overview of the linguistic forms that can be used to perform directives in German. Arguments are adduced against the distinction between direct and indirect speech acts.