Command German epitaph (4)
I believe the answer is:
grip
'command' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'german epitaph' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'epitaph' becomes 'RIP' (rest in peace).
'g'+'rip'='GRIP'
(Other definitions for grip that I've seen before include "Seize interest" , "Hold firmly; travelling bag" , "Engage" , "Hold tight" , "Grasp securely" .)