German word

machen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaxn̩/

Meaning

  • verbdo

Example

Ich mache das jetzt.

I'm doing that now.

Illustration for machen (do)

More examples

Am Wochenende mache ich Sport.

At the weekend, I play sports.

Core concept

An action produces a result, whether an object, a completed task, or a changed situation.

Common phrases

  • Sport machen

    play sports

  • Pläne machen

    make plans

  • eine Pause machen

    take a break

Similar words

tun: To take an action or engage in an activity.
erledigen: To deal with and finish a task or piece of business.
schaffen: To manage to accomplish a difficult goal.

Definition in German

Ein allgemeines Verb für etwas herstellen, eine Handlung ausführen oder etwas bewirken.

Word origin

German machen continues Old High German mahhon and comes from a Germanic verb related to English make.

Usage tips

  • German uses machen in fixed expressions where English often uses another verb, as in ein Foto machen for 'take a photo'.

Other meanings

  • makeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word