Brottin

TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Distinguishing the meanings of the verb machen with prefixes

B1B2

After this lesson you can recognise the most common prefixes with „machen“, distinguish their meanings and use them correctly in typical sentences.

This lesson focuses on the verb „machen“ combined with different prefixes such as „mit-“, „ab-“, „ein-“ or „nach-“. These combinations are called separable verbs (e.g. „mitmachen“) or inseparable verbs (e.g. „vermachen“). They often get a completely new meaning that you cannot simply build from the parts.

Overview: „machen“ with and without prefixes

Basic meaning of „machen“

„machen“ is a very general verb meaning „to do“, „to make“, „to cause“:

  • „Was machst du am Wochenende?“ (Bạn làm gì cuối tuần?)
  • „Sie macht einen Kuchen.“ (Cô ấy làm / nướng một cái bánh.)

With a prefix, the meaning changes a lot. The stress shows if the verb is separable (stress on the prefix) or inseparable (stress on „machen“).

Important prefixes with „machen“

Common separable verbs

InfinitiveKurz meaningExampleMeaning
mitmachento take part„Machst du beim Projekt mit?“to participate in an activity
nachmachento imitate, to copy„Die Kinder machen dem Lehrer alles nach.“to do something the same way as someone else
vormachento demonstrate„Sie macht die Übung langsam vor.“to show how something is done
einmachento preserve (food)„Wir machen im Herbst Marmelade ein.“to put fruit in jars and preserve it
abmachento arrange; to detach„Wir haben einen Termin für morgen abgemacht.“to agree on something / to remove something
wegmachento remove„Kannst du bitte die Flecken wegmachen?“to get rid of something
zurechtmachento get ready, prepare„Er macht sich für das Vorstellungsgespräch zurecht.“to make something neat, to prepare oneself
losmachento untie, to free„Mach bitte das Seil los.“to free something from being fixed
kaputtmachento break, to ruin„Pass auf, du machst sonst den Computer kaputt.“to damage or destroy something
fertigmachento wear down, to crush„Die Kritik hat ihn völlig fertiggemacht.“to hurt someone physically or psychologically a lot

Common inseparable verbs

InfinitiveKurz meaningExampleMeaning
vermachento leave in a will„Der Großvater hat ihr das Haus vermacht.“to leave something in a will
zumachento close„Bitte mach das Fenster zu.“to close something (window, door, shop)

Usage in sentences

For separable verbs, the prefix goes to the end in main clauses:

  • „Wir machen morgen beim Workshop mit.“ (We are taking part in the workshop tomorrow.)
  • Perfect tense: „Wir haben beim Workshop mitgemacht.“ (Participle: „mitgemacht“, prefix + „gemacht“.)

For inseparable verbs, there is no „ge-“ between prefix and stem:

  • „Sie hat ihm das Auto vermacht.“ (not *„vergemacht“.)

Typical meaning groups

  • Participation: „mitmachen“
  • Imitation: „nachmachen“
  • Demonstration: „vormachen“
  • Preparation / order: „zurechtmachen“, „fertigmachen“ (in a specific meaning)
  • Removing / loosening: „wegmachen“, „abmachen“, „losmachen“
  • Preserving: „einmachen“
  • Bequeathing: „vermachen“

Treat each combination as its own vocabulary item; pay attention to context, stress and whether it is separable or not.