Before you start
Meet aufmachen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
auf- + machen
- auf-
- into an open state
- machen
- to make or do
You make something open by moving it into an open state.
So aufmachen means to open.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on machen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: auf·machen
In a main clause the prefix auf splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseEr macht das Geschäft um acht auf.He opens the shop at eight.
Subordinate clauseIch bleibe hier, weil sie das Fenster aufmacht.I’ll stay here because she is opening the window.
Participle: aufgemachtzu-infinitive: aufzumachen
Forms
How aufmachen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | mache auf | machte auf |
| du | machst auf | machtest auf |
| er/sie/es | macht auf | machte auf |
| wir | machen auf | machten auf |
| ihr | macht auf | machtet auf |
| Sie | machen auf | machten auf |
Partizip II aufgemacht · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich mache das Fenster auf.I open the window.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben die Tür aufgemacht.We opened the door.Perfekt with haben
- 3Kannst du die Flasche aufmachen?Can you open the bottle?infinitive with modal
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufmachen + die Tür
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use die Tür as the object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I opened it yesterdaygestern.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When she opened the doordie Tür, die Türen, the dogder Hund, die Hunde ranlaufen outsidedraußen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He opens the windowdas Fenster, die Fenster because it is hotheiß.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The shopder Laden, die Läden that opens at eightacht is nearin der Nähe my housedas Haus, die Häuser.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Can you open the doordie Tür, die Türen for me?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I forgotvergessen to open the windowdas Fenster, die Fenster before I leftweggehen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Who opened the doordie Tür, die Türen?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufmachen + das Fenster + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Put that clause’s verb at the end.
- 3Open das Fenster in the main clause.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What do you often open at home? Answer in one German sentence using the verb.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one German sentence.
- 2Use the present tense of aufmachen.