Before you start
Meet mitmachen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
mit- + machen
- mit-
- along with others
- machen
- to do
You do an activity along with the others.
So mitmachen means to join in; to take part.
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: mit·machen
In a main clause the prefix mit splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseWir machen beim Spiel mit.We join in the game.
Subordinate clause…, weil wir beim Spiel mitmachen.…, because we join in the game.
Participle: mitgemachtzu-infinitive: mitzumachen
Forms
How mitmachen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | mache mit | machte mit |
| du | machst mit | machtest mit |
| er/sie/es | macht mit | machte mit |
| wir | machen mit | machten mit |
| ihr | macht mit | machtet mit |
| Sie | machen mit | machten mit |
Partizip II mitgemacht · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich mache im Kurs mit.I take part in the course.prefix goes to the end
- 2Meine Freunde haben beim Tanz mitgemacht.My friends joined in the dance.Perfekt with haben
- 3Wenn du willst, kannst du mitmachen.If you want, you can join in.verb at the end after wenn
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
mitmachen + das Spiel
Your challenge
- 1Use mitmachen in the present tense.
- 2Take part in das Spiel.
- 3Use bei with the correct case.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We took part with them yesterday.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When the gamedas Spiel started, the childrendas Kind, die Kinder joined in.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She is taking part because her frienddie Freundin askedfragen her.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The boyder Junge who took part is my brotherder Bruder.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I want to take part in the school partydas Schulfest.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I am gladfroh to take part in the gamedas Spiel.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Are you taking part in the tripdie Fahrt?
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:
mitmachen + der Wettbewerb + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Take part in der Wettbewerb.
- 3Use mitmachen in the present tense.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What activity would you like to take part in this year?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one activity you would like to join.
- 2Use Konjunktiv II.
- 3Use mitmachen with bei.