Before you start
Meet ausmachen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
aus- + machen
- aus-
- out or off
- machen
- to make or do
Make a light or fire go out: switch it off or put it out.
So ausmachen means to switch off; to put out; to arrange or agree on.
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: aus·machen
In a main clause the prefix aus 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 den Fernseher aus.He turns off the television.
Subordinate clauseIch gehe, weil ich das Licht ausmache.I am leaving because I am turning off the light.
Participle: ausgemachtzu-infinitive: auszumachen
Forms
How ausmachen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | mache aus | machte aus |
| du | machst aus | machtest aus |
| er/sie/es | macht aus | machte aus |
| wir | machen aus | machten aus |
| ihr | macht aus | machtet aus |
| Sie | machen aus | machten aus |
Partizip II ausgemacht · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich mache das Licht aus.I turn off the light.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben einen Termin ausgemacht.We arranged an appointment.Perfekt with haben
- 3Sie bleibt hier, weil sie das Radio ausmacht.She stays here because she turns off the radio.verb at the end after weil
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
ausmachen + das Licht
Your challenge
- 1Use ausmachen in the present tense.
- 2Use das Licht as its object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I switched it off.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When we were at schooldie Schule, we arranged a meetingdas Treffen after classder Unterricht.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She switched off the televisionder Fernseher because the childrendas Kind, die Kinder were sleepingschlafen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I turned off the phonedas Telefon that was ringingklingeln.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You must switch off the computerder Computer before dinnerdas Abendessen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He forgotvergessen to switch off the lightdas Licht before he leftgehen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Can you arrange a timedie Zeit with her for tomorrow?
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:
ausmachen + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use ausmachen in the present tense.
- 2Add a dass-clause saying where you will meet.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you like to arrange with a friend for this weekend?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with what you would arrange.
- 2Use ausmachen and say who you would arrange it with.