machen
do · make
Etwas tun oder herstellen, sodass es entsteht oder sich verändert.
The German word "machen" is a verb meaning "to do" or "to make". It is a very general and frequently used verb.
- It does not contain any smaller meaningful components (beyond its root).
- It expresses the act of performing an action or creating something.
Similar words:
- tun (to do) — often interchangeable but can sound less specific or more formal in some contexts.
- herstellen (to produce/make) — specifically for manufacturing or creating something tangible.
- erledigen (to accomplish/handle) — implies completing a task.
Difference:
- "machen" is the broadest and most versatile.
- "tun" overlaps but can feel more abstract or general.
- "herstellen" emphasizes creation/production of physical objects.
- "erledigen" stresses task completion or taking care of something.
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Examples
Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.verb
I am doing my homework.
Er macht seine Arbeit.verb
He is doing his work.
Du kannst den Kuchen machen.verb
You can make the cake.
Anna macht ihre Hausaufgaben.verb
Anna does her homework.
Anna möchte heute Suppe machen.verb
Anna wants to make soup today.
Die Kinder machen ihre Hausaufgaben im Wohnzimmer.verb
The children do their homework in the living room.
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