A comprehensive overview of the German verbs "machen" and "tun," explaining their meanings, usage, and key differences for learners.
In German, both machen and tun can be translated as "to do" in English, but they are used in different contexts and have different nuances. Machen is more common and generally means "to make" or "to do" something, often involving creating or completing a task. Tun is more abstract and can mean "to do" something, but it's often used in fixed expressions or when the specific action is not detailed.
- Machen = to make, to do (creates or completes something)
- Tun = to do (more general or abstract, often in set phrases)
- Understanding the difference helps avoid awkward or incorrect usage
Origins
The difference between machen and tun goes back to their etymology and historical meanings.
| Verb | Origin | Original Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Machen | Old High German machen, from Proto-Germanic *makōną | to make, build, create |
| Tun | Old High German tuon, from Proto-Germanic *tēną | to do, perform, put into action |
- Machen has a roots in creation and making
- Tun is more about performing or carrying out an action
- This history explains why machen is more concrete and tun more abstract
Usage of Machen
Machen is one of the most versatile verbs in German. It can refer to creating something, performing a task, or even causing a situation. It’s often used with nouns to form common expressions.
Examples
- Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben. (I do my homework.)
- Sie macht einen Kuchen. (She makes a cake.)
- Mach dir keine Sorgen! (Don’t worry!)
Common Expressions with Machen
| German Expression | English Translation |
|---|---|
| etwas machen | to do something |
| eine Pause machen | to take a break |
| einen Fehler machen | to make a mistake |
| Spaß machen | to be fun |
- machen + noun is a common pattern
- It can refer to tasks, creating things, or causing situations
- It appears in many everyday idioms
Usage of Tun
Tun is less specific and often appears in formal language, set phrases, or when the action is not described in detail. It can also express a general sense of doing something or be used to indicate causing a situation, especially something unpleasant.
Examples
- Was soll ich tun? (What should I do?)
- Ich weiß nicht, was ich tun soll. (I don’t know what I should do.)
- Das tut mir leid. (That causes me sorrow / I’m sorry.)
- Tu deine Pflicht! (Do your duty!)
Common Expressions with Tun
| German Expression | English Translation |
|---|---|
| etwas tun | to do something |
| leid tun | to be sorry |
| Gutes tun | to do good |
| so tun, als ob | to pretend as if |
- tun is often used when the action is indefinite or unspecified
- It appears in more formal or literary contexts
- Many expressions with tun convey emotions or moral actions
Key Differences
Understanding when to use machen vs. tun is crucial for natural German.
| Aspect | Machen | Tun |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to make or do (creates/completes something) | to do (more general, abstract, or indefinite) |
| Common Contexts | tasks, creating, causing situations, idioms | general doing, set phrases, formal/literary use, moral/emotional contexts |
| Usage with Nouns | very common (machen + noun) | less common |
| Examples | einen Kuchen machen, einen Fehler machen | etwas tun, was tun, leid tun |
- Use machen for specific tasks and creations
- Use tun for general actions, especially in questions or fixed expressions
- Avoid using tun when creating or completing something concrete
What is the main difference between 'machen' and 'tun' in German?
'machen' means to make or do something specific, while 'tun' means to do something more general or abstract
The key difference is that 'machen' involves making or doing something concrete or specific, while 'tun' is used for more general, abstract, or indefinite actions.
Cultural Notes
- German learners often overuse tun, trying to match the English "do." Native speakers prefer machen in most everyday situations.
- In southern Germany and Austria, you might hear tun more often in colloquial speech, but standard German favors machen for most "do" meanings.
- Some English learners mistakenly say ich tue meine Hausaufgaben, but the correct form is ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.
- Don’t fear using machen—it’s the safer choice for most contexts
- Pay attention to fixed phrases with tun, especially in writing and formal speech
Why do German learners often overuse 'tun'?
Because they try to directly translate the English word 'do', not realizing 'machen' is usually more appropriate
Learners overuse 'tun' by trying to map the English 'do' directly, but in German, 'machen' is the safer and more common choice for most situations.
Summary
- machen = to make or do something specific; very common in everyday German
- tun = to do something in a more general, abstract, or formal sense; appears in many set expressions
- Use machen for tasks, creations, and most "do" meanings
- Use tun for questions about what to do, moral/emotional expressions, and idiomatic phrases
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- English Translation: to do something
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
